Queens Public Library (QPL) President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott, NYC Council Minority Leader Joann Ariola, and dozens of local residents gathered Wednesday morning to mark the launch of a new QPL mobile library and the start of weekly service in Breezy Point — a waterfront community long without a permanent library branch.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony, held outside the Breezy Point Cooperative Activity Center at 17 West Market St., celebrated the debut of the 32-foot mobile library, which will be stationed there every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The vehicle is the latest addition to QPL’s expanding mobile fleet and marks a major step forward in providing consistent access to library resources in a neighborhood still rebuilding from the devastation of Superstorm Sandy.
“This fantastic vehicle will not only extend our reach. It will also offer a next-generation experience to everyone who steps inside, engaging individuals of all ages through its innovative features and inspiring programs,” said Walcott. “We are thrilled to introduce this mobile library in Breezy Point, where it will provide regular library access. We are deeply grateful to the Office of NYC Council Minority Leader Joann Ariola for funding this bookmobile, and we look forward to serving local residents right in the heart of this neighborhood.”
The $500,000 mobile library, manufactured by Farber Specialty Vehicles in Ohio and funded by Ariola’s office, is outfitted with a wheelchair lift, solar power, and a retractable awning. Inside, it features 12 laptops, a printer, two Wi-Fi-enabled TV screens, gaming systems, a self-checkout machine, and a 5,000-item collection of books and media for all ages. Wrapped in QPL’s signature purple with a borough map and logo, the bookmobile is both functional and eye-catching.
“For too long, Breezy Point has gone without a library of its own,” said Ariola. “That’s all changing. I’m proud to partner with the Queens Public Library to finally give residents here the resources they deserve. This mobile library will open the door for more learning and greater opportunities, and I look forward to its impact being felt for years to come.”
The mobile unit will offer an array of programming, including storytimes, early literacy sessions, STEM activities, arts and crafts, book discussions, and movie screenings. Patrons will be able to register for library cards, check out and return materials, and access digital resources and databases.
The launch marks a return to regular library service in Breezy Point. In the past, QPL has provided intermittent mobile service to the peninsula, especially in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy in 2012. The nearest permanent QPL branch is the Seaside Library in Belle Harbor, located approximately 4.5 miles away.
“On behalf of the Breezy Point Cooperative community we sincerely thank NYC Councilwoman Joann Ariola and Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott for this wonderful opportunity to bring library services directly to our children, seniors and residents,” said Denise Lopresti, general manager of the Breezy Point Cooperative.
“Reading is fundamental, and it’s essential that underserved communities have equal access and opportunity to expand their minds,” added Community Board 14 District Manager Felicia Johnson. “I grew up visiting the bookmobile every summer… My 93-year-old mother, who holds a Master’s in Library Science, worked on our local bookmobile—she loved delivering not just books, but adventures to neighborhoods and their children. I’m thrilled to see this valuable resource return.”
The Breezy Point vehicle is the first of three new mobile libraries QPL plans to deploy in 2025. The additional vehicles will serve shelters, senior centers, hospitals, and neighborhoods affected by branch closures due to renovations.
