East Elmhurst Library on March 27, 2019 (Photo: QueensPost)
March 25, 2019, By Meghan Sackman
The East Elmhurst library is expected to reopen in May after undergoing an $8.9 million expansion.
The Queens Library branch, located at 95-06 Astoria Blvd, has been undergoing construction since the end of 2016, as the branch has undergone a major upgrade and the existing space has nearly doubled. The library did operate during much of the construction, although it has been closed since June.
The original 5,200 square foot library, a single-story brick structure built in 1972, will be 9,700 square feet upon completion, according to Queens Library. Additional space has gone up in front of the old structure, as well as on the side.
Library pre upgrades and overhaul (Photo: QueensLibrary)
The face of the building will have a continuous glass room along Astoria Boulevard upon completion. The front section of the library will have a new multi-purpose assembly space that accommodates up to 120 people. The new side space will include an interior reading court with a skylight and a computer room.
The library will also include a 1,100 square foot outdoor garden for reading.
The library meets the criteria for LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Redesign) Silver Certification, and contains several sustainability elements.
Construction first began in the fall of 2016 and the library was closed until spring 2017 during the first phase of construction. The library closed again for construction in June 2018 and is expected to reopen by May.
Funding for this project was allocated by former Council Member Julissa Ferreras-Copeland, Mayor de Blasio, and Borourgh President Melinda Katz.
East Elmhurst Library (Photo: QueensPost March 27, 2019)
