You are reading

Queens Public Library Reopens Some Branches for First Time in Nearly Four Months

Bellerose Branch Queens (via QPL)

July 13, 2020 By Michael Dorgan

The Queens Public Library (QPL) has opened some of its local branches for the first time in nearly four months.

Seven locations opened to the public for pickups and returns today while nine additional sites are now accepting returns.

The library system shut all of its 66 branches on March 16 to stop the spread of COVID-19.

The first libraries open for the “to-go” services are Bayside Library, Bellerose Library, East Elmhurst Library, Kew Gardens Hills Library, Laurelton Library, Long Island City Library, and Peninsula Library.

The move represents the first phase of libraries reopening across the city. The “to go” services are being offered at 22 libraries across all five boroughs– starting today.

Each branch in Queens will have a designated area for customers to pick up and return orders placed online or via phone. The QPL app is live and can also be used to make requests.

Customers and staff are required to wear masks and social distancing guidelines are being enforced.

Opening hours at each of the Queens locations are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. On these days, the branches are shut from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. for cleaning.

The sites are open on Tuesdays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and on Thursdays from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. They are closed on Thursdays from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. for cleaning.

The nine QPL libraries that are now accepting returns are Astoria Library, Cambria Heights Library, Central Library, Flushing Library, Jackson Heights Library, Queensboro Hill Library, Rego Park Library, Ridgewood Library, and South Ozone Park Library.

Returns are accepted at external return machines but the libraries will remain closed to the public.

Checked out materials will not accrue fines until Oct, 1, 2020 at the earliest, and current library card blocks for late returns are being temporarily lifted.

Applications for new library cards are only being accepted online and can be picked up at any “to-go” service branch.

All QPL libraries in use during this initial stage will undergo extensive cleaning to limit the spread of COVID-19.

email the author: [email protected]
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

Op-ed: In Queens, smoke-free buildings are possible!

Mar. 29, 2024 By Ayisha Green: NYC Smoke-Free

For decades, we have known the consequences of tobacco smoke on the human body. We went from understanding smoking as a risk to personal health, to understanding that the smoke exhaled or released into the air by a burning cigarette is damaging the health of our loved ones and broader communities. The tobacco industry does not take responsibility for the health burden created by their products, nor do they take responsibility for the waste created by the existence of commercial tobacco.

CM Moya announces support for massive Metropolitan Park proposal near Citi Field

Council Member Francisco Moya announced his support for Metropolitan Park, a proposal put forward by New York Mets owner Steve Cohen and Hard Rock International that calls for the construction of a casino and entertainment complex on the parking lot just west of Citi Field.

In a lengthy statement released on Thursday afternoon, Moya said that when he was first approached about the project, his main consideration was ensuring that it would meet the needs of his constituents and provide a major boost to the local economy.