April 16, 2021 By Christian Murray
The Queens Public Library announced Thursday that it will be reopening five additional branches for “to-go” service Wednesday.
The library system currently has 34 branches open for to-got service and after Wednesday it will have 39 up and running. The branches to be added include Woodside, Baisley Park, Douglaston, Howard Beach and Middle Village.
Under the “to-go” model, residents can request items online, through the QPL app or by phone and pick them up in a designated area of each branch building. Residents can return materials in the exterior return machines.
The five branches will be open three days per week during the following hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday and Friday (with a one-hour closure from 1 to 2 p.m. for cleaning); and noon to 7 p.m. on Thursdays (with a one-hour closure from 3 to 4 p.m. for cleaning).
The Queens Public Library system closed all 66 of its branches on March 16, 2020 to stop the spread of COVID-19 and has been gradually reopening branches on a to-go basis since. The first branches reopened on July 13.
Library visitors as part of to-go service are not permitted to browse shelves or use public computers inside branch buildings. Visitors are also required to wear masks and social distance.
A list of all QPL locations with to-go service are listed here.