After landing in Community Board 5’s top 10 fiscal year priority lists for nearly a decade, the Glendale Library will finally be receiving a significant renovation next winter that, along with other improvements, will make the building handicap accessible.
For years, the library has taken flack for not being handicap accessible, with the only entrance to the branch being a set of stairs. With this renovation, however, the Glendale Library will be adorned with new entrance ramps and an elevator, allowing all who wish to use the library ease of access.
Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley was joined by members of the Queens Library and the New York City Department of Design and Construction (DDC) on Saturday, June 10, at the library to announce the renovation.
“This renovation will breathe new life into the Glendale Community Library, for the countless of residents who count on it for reading and learning,” Crowley said. “Libraries are the cornerstone of our communities all across the city, and Glendale is no exception.”
The $4 million renovation was funded with $2.2 million from Crowley, $1.5 million from the mayor’s administration, and an additional $315,000 from Borough President Melinda Katz. This upcoming renovation is the second phase of a multi-phase project to improve the Glendale Library.
Throughout this multi-phase project, designers worked to ensure that the building’s historic quality has been and will be preserved through the remainder of this project.
The renovations will include a newly designed mezzanine and courtyard, bringing a modern look to both areas; clerestory windows on the main floor that will allow natural light to stream in; and relocated book stacks to a more central location within the branch.
“I’d like to thank Council Member Crowley for giving the community and our customers an opportunity to see what the future holds for Glendale Community Library,” said Dennis M. Walcott, Queens Library president and CEO. “The Department of Design and Construction’s historically sensitive plan ensures we will meet our mission to provide access and opportunity to every person who needs our services.”
Construction of these upgrades are expected to begin next winter, and will be completed in one year following the construction start date.
The Glendale branch of the Queens Library was officially designated in 1911, and moved locations several times, once sharing space with a shoe store and even a pickle distributor. The branch opened at its current location at the intersection of 73rd Place and Myrtle Avenue in 1937.
