The auditorium of the Queens Central Library in Jamaica is set to undergo a comprehensive transformation thanks to $11 million in secured funding from the New York City Council and Mayor Eric Adams.
Council Member Nantasha Williams, Speaker Adrienne Adams, members of the Queens Delegation, and Queens Public Library President Dennis M. Walcott celebrated the allocation during a ceremony on Thursday, Dec. 18, at the library’s historic auditorium.
The funding, which includes $5 million from the NYC Council’s Queens Delegation and $6 million from Mayor Adams, will support a much-needed redevelopment of the 1,800-square-foot space, which has served the community since 1966. Over the years, the auditorium has hosted countless cultural events, educational programs, and community celebrations, serving as a vital community space for many Queens residents.
“Today marks a transformative milestone for the Queens Central Library and our community,” said Williams, Co-Chair of the Queens Delegation. “This investment ensures the Central Library Auditorium will continue to be a welcoming and inclusive space for education, culture, and creativity. As a gathering place for residents across the borough, this renovation reflects our commitment to improving resources that enrich lives.”
The Central Library, located at 89-11 Merrick Blvd., serves as the heart of the Queens Public Library system, welcoming more than 675,000 visitors annually and hosting nearly 160,000 program attendees in Fiscal Year 2024.
“Libraries are pillars of our neighborhoods, serving as community centers and resource hubs that support New Yorkers of all ages,” said Speaker Adams. “The Council’s Queens Delegation is proud to invest $5 million for the renovation of Queens Central Library’s auditorium. This essential, widely-used space hosts events, programs, and meetings for the entire community.”
The renovation is expected to bring the auditorium up to 21st-century standards with ADA-accessible seating and ramps, updated finishes, advanced audiovisual technology, a hearing loop system, acoustical panels, and a new stage with performer-focused features. Flexible multipurpose rooms and an upgraded reception area will also enhance the visitor experience. Once complete, the space will support live streaming of select events, broadening access to library programming.
“Central Library’s auditorium has served as an essential gathering place and a cultural hub for the community for the past 58 years, and we are very much looking forward to bringing it up to 21st-century standards,” said Walcott. “The public deserves a modern, vibrant, and welcoming venue for the performing arts, films, author talks, and more. We are incredibly grateful to New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, Council Member Nantasha Williams, and the Council’s Queens Delegation for their work with Mayor Eric Adams to secure the funding needed to renovate this important space.”
Council members praised the investment as a commitment to the educational and cultural future of Queens. “Libraries are so essential to our communities for fostering the cultural arts,” said Council Member Vickie Paladino.
“I’m proud to support this allocation of $5 million from the Queens Delegation for the redevelopment of the auditorium at the Queens Central Library,” added Council Member Lynn Schulman.
The renovated space will serve not only Council District 27 but residents across neighboring districts, hosting events for government agencies, nonprofits, and community organizations at no cost. Renovations are expected to begin soon.
