December 21, 2017

DDC, Queens Public Library, and Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley Break Ground on Renovation to Glendale Community Library

$4.7 Million Renovation Includes the Addition of an Accessible Entrance and a New Book Drop, the Installation of an Elevator and Upgrades to the Interior and Rear Garden, Among Other Changes

Contact:
Dan Leibel
718-391-1251

Glendale, NY - Queens Library President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott, New York City Council Member Elizabeth Crowley and New York City Department of Design and Construction Commissioner Ana Barrio today broke ground on a major renovation project for Glendale Community Library.

The project calls for the restoration of the building’s interior space to its original grandeur, the installation of an elevator, an accessible entrance to the building and book drop, new adult and teen reading rooms, modifications to the vestibule, the reconstruction of the front stairs and the restoration of a walled, rear garden.

DDC Acting Commissioner Ana Barrio (second from left), City Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley (center), and Queens Library President Dennis Walcott (right of center) break ground on renovations to the Glendale Library

“These renovations and upgrades mean that this very special library will finally be accessible to all,” said Queens Library President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott. “We are grateful to Council Member Crowley, Borough President Melinda Katz and Mayor Bill de Blasio for their financial support for this important project and look forward to working with the Department of Design and Construction.”

“I’m proud to join our partners in government and Queens Public Library to break ground on a renovation that will improve ADA accessibility and circulation at Glendale Library,” said DDC Acting Commissioner Ana Barrio. “This building dates back to 1935 and has a lot of character, and we plan to preserve that history while we make this valuable resource more equitable for New Yorkers.” 

A rendering of the Glendale Library after its renovation, which will improve the ADA accessibility and circulation

The celebration marked the upcoming start of numerous improvements to Glendale Community Library, which was completed in 1935 under the federal Works Progress Administration. Designed in the Italian Renaissance style, the building is partially covered by a Spanish tile roof and encompasses 10,800 square feet on three levels. The main floor features original woodwork, details and finishes.

The library will be closed during construction, which is expected to begin in spring 2018. The library is scheduled to re-open in fall 2019. Mobile library service will be provided while the building is under construction.

About the NYC Department of Design and Construction
The Department of Design and Construction is the City’s primary capital construction project manager. In supporting Mayor de Blasio’s lenses of growth, sustainability, resiliency, equity and healthy living, DDC provides communities with new or renovated public buildings such as such as firehouses, libraries, police precincts, new or upgraded roadways, sewers, water mains in all five boroughs. To manage this $15 billion portfolio, DDC partners with other City agencies, architects and consultants, whose experience bring efficient, innovative, and environmentally-conscious design and construction strategies to city projects. For more information, please visit nyc.gov/ddc.