You are reading

Bay Terrace Library to Undergo $5.7 Million Overhaul

The Bay Terrace Branch of the Queens Public Library, located at 18-36 Bell Blvd. (Google Maps)

Dec. 14, 2021 By Allie Griffin

The Bay Terrace Library in Bayside will undergo a $5.7 million overhaul, Queens Public Library officials announced today.

The revamp involves renovating the full interior with updated technology and furniture, creating a designated teen area and constructing a new state-of-the-art multipurpose community room with audiovisual equipment.

The work also calls for an expansion of the main entrance to the one-story library at 18-36 Bell Blvd., a new ADA-compliant ramp at the side entrance on 23rd Avenue, a new HVAC system and energy-efficient roof and improvements to the exterior garden.

Construction is expected to begin as early as March 2022 and be completed in two years.

A rendering of renovations planned for the interior of the Bay Terrace Library (Queens Public Library)

Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis Walcott held a press conference at the branch Tuesday announcing the project.

“With these renovations, the Bay Terrace branch will be more welcoming, inspiring and technologically efficient, and will reinforce its role as the center of community life,” Walcott said in a statement.

He thanked Council Member Paul Vallone, Mayor Bill de Blasio, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards and State Senator John Liu for securing funding to modernize the branch, which was built in 1981.

Vallone, Richards, Liu, Assembly Member Edward Braunstein and community leaders joined Walcott at the press conference.

“Bay Terrace deserves a state-of-the-art library for all who use its services,” Vallone said. “A full modern renovation with upgraded technology and space for local teenagers will allow more residents to experience the wonderful programs the Queens Public Library has to offer.”

He added that he was happy to have funded the project in partnership with so many colleagues in government.

Liu similarly said he was proud to have contributed funding and is looking forward to the project’s completion.

“Our libraries are essential to the lifeblood of a healthy community. This is where our children can go to discover Where the Wild Things Are, or find inspiration in the Little Engine that Could,” Liu said.

“The modernization of the Bay Terrace Library will provide even more opportunities for learners both young and old with new technology, reimagined spaces, and upgraded infrastructure.”

email the author: news@queenspost.com
No comments yet

Leave a Comment
Reply to this Comment

All comments are subject to moderation before being posted.


The reCAPTCHA verification period has expired. Please reload the page.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Recent News

Celebrate the season: a guide to fall events at Queens Botanical Garden

Sep. 18, 2025 By Jessica Militello

There is nothing quite like witnessing the beauty of fall amongst the plants and wildlife at the Queens Botanical Garden. The 47-acre sanctuary offers a tranquil respite from the city, including an array of classes, events and workshops to learn more about nature and connect with the community. The garden has a variety of exciting events and programs to fully immerse oneself in the autumn season, from their Apples and Honey Day Festival to kids’ programs and much more. Whether you are looking to volunteer or tap into your creativity, here is a list of upcoming events.

CM Julie Won vows to vote against OneLIC Neighborhood Plan if neighborhood priorities are not included

Sep. 18, 2025 By Shane O’Brien

Council Member Julie Won has once again outlined that she will vote against the OneLIC Neighborhood Plan unless the comprehensive neighborhood rezoning includes specific community guarantees — including a commitment to provide deeply affordable housing, over 1,300 new school seats, a substantial increase in open space, and a comprehensive plan to improve resiliency in the neighborhood.

Suspect sought in Kew Gardens jewel heist at private residence near Forest Park: NYPD

Police from the 102nd Precinct in Richmond Hill are looking for a bearded burglar who was captured on video surveillance pulling off a jewel heist at a Kew Gardens home four blocks east of Forest Park late last month.

The suspect was seen walking on 84th Street near 118th Street at around 4:45 a.m. when he unlawfully entered a private residence through a rear door. Once inside, the suspect went into a bedroom and removed a black box, which contained jewelry valued at approximately $1,950, police said. The stranger left the home and ran off southbound on 118th Street toward Bessemer Street in Richmond Hill. There were no injuries reported after the jewel heist.

Suspect wanted for allegedly groping three women as they walked to work in Corona: NYPD

Police from the 115th Precinct in Jackson Heights are looking for a serial groper who targeted three women in 20 minutes on Monday, Sept. 1, in Corona.

The first incident occurred at around 5:55 a.m. as a 37-year-old victim was walking to work near the intersection of 103rd Street and 37th Avenue when a stranger approached her from behind and allegedly grabbed her buttocks before running off westbound on 37th Avenue toward 102nd Street.