Queens Library

Queens Library is one of the largest and most diverse public library systems in the United States, serving the residents of Queens, New York City. The library system has a rich history, dating back to 1857, and has been a vital part of the community, providing access to information and resources to people from all walks of life, including Immigrants from Jamaica, Guyana, and China. The library has been recognized for its innovative services and programs, such as the New York Times Best Sellers list and the American Library Association's Notable Books list. The library has also partnered with organizations like the Queens Museum of Art and the New York Hall of Science to provide educational and cultural programs to the community.

● History

The history of the library dates back to 1857, when the New York State Legislature passed a law allowing cities to establish free public libraries, following the example of the Boston Public Library and the New York Public Library. The first library in Queens was established in 1858, with a collection of 1,000 volumes, and was located in the Long Island City area, near the East River. Over the years, the library system has grown and expanded, with the addition of new branches, such as the Flushing Library and the Jamaica Library, and the introduction of new services, such as the Interlibrary Loan program and the New York Times online database. The library has also been a part of significant events, including the 1964 New York World's Fair and the 1990 United States Census. The library has been recognized for its contributions to the community, including receiving the National Medal for Museum and Library Service from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the American Library Association's Excellence in Library Services to Young Adults award.

● Services

The library offers a wide range of services to the community, including Lending Services, Reference Services, and Programs for Children and Adults. The library also provides access to online resources, such as the JSTOR database and the ProQuest database, and offers Computer Classes and Job Training programs in partnership with organizations like the Queens Chamber of Commerce and the New York City Department of Small Business Services. The library has also introduced innovative services, such as the Queens Library Mobile App and the Self-Service Kiosks, to make it easier for patrons to access library resources and services. The library has partnered with organizations like the New York City Department of Education and the City University of New York to provide educational and career development programs to the community, including the GED preparation program and the College Now program.

● Branches

The library system has 62 branches, located throughout Queens, including the Astoria Library, the Corona Library, and the Rockaway Beach Library. Each branch offers a unique set of services and programs, tailored to the needs of the local community, and has partnered with local organizations, such as the Queens Botanical Garden and the New York City Parks and Recreation. The library has also established partnerships with local schools, such as P.S. 122 and Francis Lewis High School, to provide educational resources and services to students. The branches are also equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including Wi-Fi and Computers with Internet Access, and offer a variety of programs and services, such as Author Readings and Children's Story Time, in partnership with organizations like the National Book Foundation and the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators.

● Collections

The library's collection includes over 7.5 million items, including Books, Magazines, Newspapers, DVDs, and CDs. The library also has a large collection of E-books and Digital Media, available through the OverDrive platform and the Hoopla Digital platform. The library's collection includes materials in many languages, including Spanish, Chinese, Korean, and Hindi, and has partnered with organizations like the New York Public Library and the Brooklyn Public Library to provide access to a wide range of resources and services. The library has also established a Special Collections department, which includes rare and unique materials, such as the Queens Historical Society's collection of Historical Documents and the New York City Municipal Archives' collection of City Records.

● Governance

The library is governed by a Board of Trustees, which is responsible for setting the library's policies and overseeing its operations, in accordance with the New York State Education Law and the New York City Charter. The board is composed of 19 members, who are appointed by the Queens Borough President and the New York City Mayor, and includes representatives from organizations like the Queens Chamber of Commerce and the New York City Department of Education. The library is also a member of the Metropolitan New York Library Council and the American Library Association, and has partnered with organizations like the New York State Library and the Institute of Museum and Library Services to provide training and resources to library staff. The library has also established a Friends of the Library group, which supports the library's programs and services through fundraising and advocacy efforts, in partnership with organizations like the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment for the Arts.