Astoria library rendering (Courtesy of Council Member Costa Constantinides Office)
Jan. 25, 2021 By Allie Griffin
Council Member Costa Constantinides hosted a virtual forum Monday to update residents on renovation plans for the Astoria branch of the Queens Public Library (QPL).
The library branch, located at 14-01 Astoria Blvd., will be upgraded next year with accessibility improvements including a new elevator, restrooms and a new vestibule to assist with entry and exit.
The new vestibule will be built onto the main façade of the building and the elevator will be placed within it. It will service all three floors of the building. New reading rooms for different age groups will also be created.
Library staff spaces will be renovated and reorganized as well. In addition, the flooring, ceiling, lighting, finishes, furniture and computers on each floor will be upgraded.
Representatives from QPL and the NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC) joined Constantinides at the community forum Monday.
DDC expects to complete the designs for the project by March of next year and begin construction before the end of 2022.
Construction is anticipated to be completed before the end of 2024.
The officials unveiled the latest renderings of the renovations at the forum.
“These renderings reflect the progress that has been made to date in transforming Astoria library into a more inspiring and inviting space that is accessible to all,” said QPL President and CEO Dennis Walcott.
Constantinides has allocated $9 million of city funds for the upgrade. The branch was constructed in 1904.
“Bringing equity to our neighbors west of 21st Street has been one of my top priorities since Day One,” Constantinides said in a statement. “I’m happy that today, we can come together with our friends and neighbors and see the progress that has been made on bringing a refreshed library space that everyone can enjoy more fully.”
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