Printer-friendlyBranch Detailed Info
AboutBroadway
It's #BookTuesday!
Every Tuesday, Queens Library will introduce you to a great book!
Our #BookTuesday pick is Parkland: Birth of a Movement by Dave Cullen.
On the first anniversary of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, Florida, the acclaimed New York Times-bestselling author of ...
Traveling Shoes: Black Migrations
This Black History Month, join us for Traveling Shoes: Black Migrations, a celebration of the ways that black migrations—the movement of black populations across the world—have shaped societies and cultures.
Come to the Library for music, movies, art, and more—and take part in our exciting Passport ...
Celebrate National Library Lovers' Month!
February is National Library Lovers' Month, so here's a chance to let everyone know how much you love your library: submit a photo to the Share Your Love For Queens Library Photo Contest!
Take creative pictures that show your love for the library—at a library program, with your friends at the ...
Celebrate the Lunar New Year!
Xin Nian Kuai Le! Join us as we celebrate the Lunar New Year at Queens Library!
The Lunar New Year is a centuries-old tradition in China and several other Asian countries, and it is a time to honor deities and ancestors, as well as make way for good fortune in the upcoming year.
At Queens Library, you can attend ...
Free Tax Help at Queens Library!
It’s that time of year again!
If you need help figuring out and filing your tax return, come to Queens Library for free tax-preparation assistance if you are a low-income older adult, or earn $66,000 or less a year.
The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance and Urban Upbound are ...
Langston Hughes Library's 50th Anniversary!
This year, the Langston Hughes Community Library and Cultural Center and its Black Heritage Reference Center will be celebrating their 50th anniversary—an important milestone for Queens Library and our borough!
Langston Hughes Library was founded in 1969 through community activism by the Library Action Committee (LAC) of ...
Free English Classes!
Are you a new American who wants to learn English or improve your English language skills?
You can learn English at Queens Library for FREE!
Join a supportive community of students and teaching professionals at our community libraries. Classes are available at Beginner and Intermediate levels.
To register, ...
Queens Library Magazine
The new issue of Queens Library Magazine is out now!
Queens Library Magazine combines great library-themed feature stories and two months' worth of information about our free programs, services, and special events, and it's available at your neighborhood library or ...
What We Bring: Immigrant Art On View at Central Library
Join us for a new art exhibit at Central Library in Jamaica from January 7 to March 2 that honors the artistic talents and cultural contributions of new immigrants.
What We Bring: New Immigrant Gifts adds to the national dialogue on immigration. Focusing on the cultural contributions of immigrants who came to the U.S. in the ...
Discover Your City With Culture Pass!
Start planning your winter adventures! NYC’s libraries are making it easier for you to explore local museums, public gardens, and other cultural attractions for FREE with your friends and family!
Queens Library, Brooklyn Public Library, and the New York Public Library are excited to announce Culture Pass, ...
 Feb 20 10:00AM --to-- 1:00PM Free Citizenship Classes |
| Broadway | Wed, Feb 27, 2019 | 10:00AM |
| Broadway | Wed, Mar 6, 2019 | 10:00AM |
| Broadway | Wed, Mar 13, 2019 | 10:00AM |
| Broadway | Wed, Mar 20, 2019 | 10:00AM |
| Broadway | Wed, Mar 27, 2019 | 10:00AM |
--to--
Vacation Week Fun!
Registration: Not required
Games, puzzles, crafts, tech time, a movie, and more—there will be something fun to do at the library every afternoon during school vacation week for children ages 5-12! No registration is required.
This is a recurring program. If registration is required, you must register individually.
Additional Dates
| Broadway | Thu, Feb 21, 2019 | 3:00PM |
| Broadway | Fri, Feb 22, 2019 | 3:00PM |
--to--
Microsoft Word for Beginners
Registration: Registration is not yet open for this program. Please check back closer to the program date.
Learn how to create and save Word documents; format and edit text; copy, cut, and paste items; and use Word's main functions and commands. Basic computer skills are required. Preregistration is required.
This is a recurring program. If registration is required, you must register individually.
Additional Dates
| Broadway | Wed, Feb 27, 2019 | 3:30PM |
 Feb 22 12:30PM --to-- 2:00PM Arts & Crafts for AdultsLocation: Broadway Registration: Not required Please join us for arts & crafts. We will be working on simple projects using different craft materials. This class is designed for adults with intellectual disabilities. All interested adults are welcomed. Additional Program Dates/Locations This is a recurring program. If registration is required, you must register individually.Additional Dates
| |||||||||||||||||||||
 Feb 22 3:00PM --to-- 4:45PM Vacation Week Fun: Film FridayLocation: Broadway Registration: Not required Enjoy a free, family-friendly movie. Children ages five and younger must be accompanied by an adult. | |||||||||||||||||||||
Feb 22 3:30PM --to-- 5:00PM Basic Computer Class for AdultsLocation: Broadway Registration: Registration is not yet open for this program. Please check back closer to the program date. Topics include introduction to the computer (using mouse & keyboard), introduction to Microsoft Word, and introduction to the Internet. Preregistration is required. | |||||||||||||||||||||
Feb 23 2:00PM --to-- 4:00PM Write Now! NY Writer's CoalitionLocation: Broadway Registration: Not required Join NY Writer's Coalition for a free, drop-in writing workshop open to writers of all genres--poetry, fiction, memoir, and anything else. Writers of all backgrounds and experience levels are welcome. No advanced registration is required. Additional Program Dates/Locations This is a recurring program. If registration is required, you must register individually.Additional Dates
| |||||||||||||||||||||
 Feb 25 9:00AM --to-- 12:00PM Healthcare Insurance EnrollmentLocation: Broadway Registration: Not required Get help from a Healthcare Navigator of the NY State of Health with enrolling into a low-cost health plan. Additional Program Dates/Locations This is a recurring program. If registration is required, you must register individually.Additional Dates
| |||||||||||||||||||||
 Feb 25 10:30AM --to-- 11:30AM Preschool StorytimeLocation: Broadway Registration: Not required Enjoy stories, songs, rhymes, and movement, followed by a fun, creative activity for children ages 3 and 4 years with their parents or caregivers. Space is limited; pick up a free ticket in the Children's Room at least 15 minutes before each session. Additional Program Dates/Locations This is a recurring program. If registration is required, you must register individually.Additional Dates
| |||||||||||||||||||||
 Feb 25 1:00PM --to-- 7:00PM Drop Off Your Food Scraps With the NYC Compost ProjectLocation: Broadway Registration: Not required Help transform organic disposals into a nutritious plant food. Additional Program Dates/Locations This is a recurring program. If registration is required, you must register individually.Additional Dates
| |||||||||||||||||||||
Feb 25 4:00PM --to-- 5:00PM "Who Was....?" Book ClubLocation: Broadway Registration: Not required Each week we'll focus on one book in this popular biography series, learning about the life of someone outstanding through shared reading, crafts, games, and more. For Black History Month, we'll explore the lives of important African Americans. In March we will learn about influential women for Women’s History Month. It's not necessary to read the books ahead of time. For readers ages 6 to 12. No registration is required. | |||||||||||||||||||||
Feb 25 5:30PM --to-- 7:30PM English Advanced Conversation GroupLocation: Broadway Registration: Not required Join our English advanced conversation group at Broadway Library! No registration required. Additional Program Dates/Locations This is a recurring program. If registration is required, you must register individually.Additional Dates
| |||||||||||||||||||||
 Feb 27 10:30AM --to-- 11:30AM Toddler Story & Play TimeLocation: Broadway Registration: Not required This is a half hour of free play with educational toys, followed by stories, song, rhymes, and movement for toddlers ages 18-35 months and their parents/caregivers. Space is limited; pick up a free ticket in the Children's Room at least 15 minutes before each session. | |||||||||||||||||||||
 Feb 28 3:30PM --to-- 4:30PM Traveling Shoes: Black Migrations - Protest MusicLocation: Broadway Registration: Not required From slavery to the Civil Rights Movement to Black Lives Matter, music has always been a vital part of protest and social change. We will explore a wide array of music including spirituals, soul, and rap, along with current artists such as Beyoncé and Childish Gambino. For more Traveling Shoes programming, visit https://queenslib.org/travelingshoes19. | |||||||||||||||||||||
 Feb 28 5:45PM --to-- 7:30PM English Intermediate Conversation ClassLocation: Broadway Registration: Not required Join our English intermediate conversation group at the Broadway Library! No registration required. Additional Program Dates/Locations This is a recurring program. If registration is required, you must register individually.Additional Dates
| |||||||||||||||||||||
 Mar 1 10:30AM --to-- 11:00AM Broadway BabiesLocation: Broadway Registration: Not required Join us for stories, songs, and rhymes for the littlest library visitors! This program is for babies up to 17 months old and their parents/caregivers. No registration is required. Additional Program Dates/Locations This is a recurring program. If registration is required, you must register individually.Additional Dates
| |||||||||||||||||||||
Mar 1 3:30PM --to-- 5:00PM Basic Computer Class for AdultsLocation: Broadway Registration: Registration is not yet open for this program. Please check back closer to the program date. Topics include introduction to the computer (using mouse & keyboard), introduction to Microsoft Word, and introduction to the Internet. Preregistration is required. Additional Program Dates/Locations This is a recurring program. If registration is required, you must register individually.Additional Dates
| |||||||||||||||||||||
Mar 1 4:00PM --to-- 5:00PM Fun FridayLocation: Broadway Registration: Not required End the school week with an hour of fun! Board games, puzzles, cards, coloring, crafts--a different activity each week. Ages 5-12 years. No registration required. Additional Program Dates/Locations This is a recurring program. If registration is required, you must register individually.Additional Dates
| |||||||||||||||||||||
 Mar 2 3:00PM --to-- 4:00PM Dr. Seuss Family Story and CraftLocation: Broadway Registration: Not required Celebrate Dr. Seuss's birthday with favorite stories and a crazy craft! This program is for children ages 4 to 8 years and their parents/caregivers. No registration required. | |||||||||||||||||||||
Mar 4 4:00PM --to-- 5:00PM Inspiring Women in Science: "Who Was ..." Book ClubLocation: Broadway Registration: Not required Each week we will focus on one book in this popular biography series, learning about notable women in all fields of science. Enjoy shared reading, crafts, games, and more. It’s not necessary to read the books ahead of time. This is for readers ages 6 to 12. No registration required. Additional Program Dates/Locations This is a recurring program. If registration is required, you must register individually.Additional Dates
| |||||||||||||||||||||
Mar 5 10:30AM --to-- 12:00PM Computer Classes for Beginners in SpanishLocation: Broadway Registration: Registration is not yet open for this program. Please check back closer to the program date. • Introduction to the computer and navigating the Internet Additional Program Dates/Locations This is a recurring program. If registration is required, you must register individually.Additional Dates
| |||||||||||||||||||||
Mar 5 4:00PM --to-- 5:00PM Magic Show with Urban StagesLocation: Broadway Registration: Not required Abracadabra children's magician Evan Paquette performs his magic show and even shares a few tricks of the trade with a mini magic lesson for children ages 6-12. | |||||||||||||||||||||
Mar 6 10:30AM --to-- 11:30AM Toddler Learning CenterLocation: Broadway Registration: Not required Open to young children ages 18–38 months and their parents/caregivers, this five-week workshop is led by early childhood professionals. Adults will learn about nutrition, speech development, early literacy, and other parenting topics, while toddlers play with age-appropriate educational toys and develop social interaction skills. No registration required, but space is limited. Please pick up a free ticket in the Children’s Room before each session. Additional Program Dates/Locations This is a recurring program. If registration is required, you must register individually.Additional Dates
| |||||||||||||||||||||
 Mar 6 4:00PM --to-- 5:00PM Discovery Club Science ActivityLocation: Broadway Registration: Not required Join us for hands-on science and nature activities for kids ages 6-12. Sharks, magnets, animal tracks, fish--there will be a new topic each week! No registration required. Additional Program Dates/Locations This is a recurring program. If registration is required, you must register individually.Additional Dates
| |||||||||||||||||||||
Mar 8 10:30AM --to-- 12:00PM Microsoft Word for Beginners in SpanishLocation: Broadway Registration: Registration is not yet open for this program. Please check back closer to the program date. Learn how to create and save Word documents; format and edit a text; copy, cut and paste items; and use Word’s main functions and commands. You will also learn to use a flash drive or USB. Basic computer skills are required. To register call 718-721 2462. Additional Program Dates/Locations This is a recurring program. If registration is required, you must register individually.Additional Dates
| |||||||||||||||||||||
 Mar 12 2:30PM --to-- 3:30PM Broadway Book ClubLocation: Broadway Registration: Not required Join us for a book discussion. This month's book is "Women Rowing North" by Mary Pipher. | |||||||||||||||||||||
Mar 13 3:30PM --to-- 4:30PM Typing PracticeLocation: Broadway Registration: Registration is not yet open for this program. Please check back closer to the program date. Learn and practice how to type. Test your typing skills at various levels of proficiency and speed! | |||||||||||||||||||||
Mar 14 4:00PM --to-- 5:00PM St. Patrick's Day Story & CraftLocation: Broadway Registration: Not required Celebrate the Emerald Isle with folktales and a Celtic craft for children ages 5-12. No registration required. | |||||||||||||||||||||
Mar 19 10:30AM --to-- 12:00PM Kickoff to KindergartenLocation: Broadway Registration: Registration is not yet open for this program. Please check back closer to the program date. Details: Customers are required to attend all sessions of this program. Registering for this session will reserve your spot for the entire program. This is an eight-week workshop for parents/caregivers and their three- and four-year-olds. Adult participants will learn how to help their children acquire the key skills they need to be successful in school. Parents/caregivers are coached on using one-on-one reading sessions, games, and hands-on activities to help their children build important language and literacy skills. Attendance at all eight sessions is expected. Registration required; please contact the library.
| |||||||||||||||||||||
Mar 19 4:00PM --to-- 5:30PM Inspiring Women in Science: Grow Your Own Planter Using Mycelium (mushroom roots)Location: Broadway Registration: Not required Biodesigner/biomimicry specialist Danielle Trofe teaches parents and their children (ages 8+) how to grow their own planter using mushroom roots. Space is limited. Materials will be provided. Preregistration is required; please call the library. | |||||||||||||||||||||
Mar 20 3:30PM --to-- 5:00PM Microsoft Word for BeginnersLocation: Broadway Registration: Registration is not yet open for this program. Please check back closer to the program date. Learn how to create and save Word documents; format and edit text; copy, cut, and paste items; and use Word's main functions and commands. Basic computer skills are required. Preregistration is required. Additional Program Dates/Locations This is a recurring program. If registration is required, you must register individually.Additional Dates
| |||||||||||||||||||||
 Mar 21 3:30PM --to-- 4:30PM Teen TimeLocation: Broadway Registration: Not required If you are in grades 7-12, join us for fun and video games. | |||||||||||||||||||||
Mar 21 4:00PM --to-- 5:00PM Inspiring Women in Science: BingoLocation: Broadway Registration: Not required The excitement of Bingo and the fun of learning something new? Yes please! Fun facts about fifty Inspiring Women in Science in a bingo game for the whole family! No registration required. | |||||||||||||||||||||
Mar 22 4:00PM --to-- 5:45PM Film FridayLocation: Broadway Registration: Not required Enjoy a free, family-friendly movie. Children ages five and younger must be accompanied by an adult. | |||||||||||||||||||||
Mar 26 4:00PM --to-- 5:00PM Inspiring Women in Science: Code for Equality ChallengeLocation: Broadway Registration: Not required Create a message of equality honoring the heroes of the book and movie “Hidden Figures”—the African American women mathematicians who worked for NASA and helped put the first Americans in space. Participants ages 9 to 12 will create their messages using computer code. Younger children (ages 5-8) will use computational thinking to create their messages with craft materials. No registration required but space is limited; pick up a free ticket in the Children's Room before the program. | |||||||||||||||||||||
Mar 28 3:30PM --to-- 4:15PM Inspiring Women in Science: Trivia GameLocation: Broadway Registration: Not required Do you think you know your Inspiring Women in Science? Think again! Prepare yourself to be amazed, surprised and, well, definitely inspired learning more about the achievements of these fearless scientists that changed our thinking, science, and world forever! | |||||||||||||||||||||
Mar 29 3:30PM --to-- 5:15PM Inspiring Women in Science: Streaming of the Film "Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story"Location: Broadway Registration: Not required Join us for the screening of a documentary about Hollywood actress and inventor Hedy Lamarr. "Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story" is a 2017 American biographical documentary film directed, written, and co-edited by Alexandra Dean. This documentary had its world premiere at the 2017 Tribeca Film Festival. | |||||||||||||||||||||
 Apr 3 10:00AM --to-- 1:00PM Free Citizenship ClassesLocation: Broadway Registration: Not required Learn everything you need to know about American history, government, and culture to pass the citizenship exam. Participants must attend the entire 12-class series. Please arrive at 10 am sharp on Wednesday, April 3 to register in person at the Broadway Library (first-come, first-served) or call 718-278-4303 to preregister in advance. Candidates must be green card holders. The first day of class is the registration day when they should bring a copy of their green card. Additional Program Dates/Locations This is a recurring program. If registration is required, you must register individually.Additional Dates
| |||||||||||||||||||||
Apr 3 3:30PM --to-- 4:30PM Typing PracticeLocation: Broadway Registration: Registration is not yet open for this program. Please check back closer to the program date. Learn and practice how to type. Test your typing skills at various levels of proficiency and speed! | |||||||||||||||||||||
Apr 5 3:30PM --to-- 5:00PM Basic Computer Class for AdultsLocation: Broadway Registration: Registration is not yet open for this program. Please check back closer to the program date. Topics include introduction to the computer (using mouse & keyboard), introduction to Microsoft Word, and introduction to the Internet. Preregistration is required. Additional Program Dates/Locations This is a recurring program. If registration is required, you must register individually.Additional Dates
| |||||||||||||||||||||
Apr 10 3:30PM --to-- 5:00PM Microsoft Word for BeginnersLocation: Broadway Registration: Registration is not yet open for this program. Please check back closer to the program date. Learn how to create and save Word documents; format and edit text; copy, cut, and paste items; and use Word's main functions and commands. Basic computer skills are required. Preregistration is required. Additional Program Dates/Locations This is a recurring program. If registration is required, you must register individually.Additional Dates
| |||||||||||||||||||||
Apr 13 3:00PM --to-- 4:00PM Broadway: From Back Row to Backstage!Location: Broadway Registration: Not required Join us as theater enthusiast Brian Stoll discusses all things Broadway in this interactive, slide- illustrated presentation. He will share the history and importance of the Broadway Playbill and offer several tips on how to see Broadway shows for way under cost. | |||||||||||||||||||||
Jun 24 3:30PM --to-- 4:30PM Space! The Cosmos For KidsLocation: Broadway Registration: Not required Space! The Cosmos For Kids is a techno-space-dance-party for kids. Each song includes dancing, music technology and information about our solar system to a thumping beat. This program is free. Space is limited. Pre-registration is required. For children ages 6 to 12. | |||||||||||||||||||||
Free computer access is available at all the libraries. The Broadway Community Library has:
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
|  image image image image |
International Language Collections at the Broadway Community Library include:
Special Interest/Noteworthy Collections at the Broadway Community Library include:
|
| Child Care / Preschools | ||
Adventureland Preschool 41-31 58th St Woodside NY , 11377-4755 phone: (718) 274-4769 | Bright Beginnings 49-22 30th Ave Woodside NY , 11377-7959 phone: (718) 777-6664 | Kid Krazy 2125 21st Ave Astoria NY , 11105-3228 phone: (718) 545-5728 |
Mi Nuevo Mundo 31-05 51st Street Woodside NY , 11377 phone: (718) 626-7394 | My New World 31-31 60th Street Woodside NY , 11377 phone: (718) 932-4521 | |
| Community Board | ||
Queens Community Board 1 36-01 35th Avenue Astoria NY , 11106 phone: (718) 786-3335 fax: (718) 786-3368 | ||
| Community Organizations & Services | ||
Central Astoria Local Development Coalition 28-27 Steinway Street Astoria NY , 11103 phone: (718)728-7820 | Federation of Italian American Organizations of Queens 29-21 21st Avenue Astoria NY , 11105 phone: (718) 204-2444 | Greater Astoria Historical Society 35-20 Broadway 4th Floor Astoria NY , 11106 phone: (718) 278-0700 |
LIC Business Development Corporation 29-10 Thomson Avenue, 9th Floor Astoria NY , 11101 phone: (718) 786-5300 | Queens Rainbow Community Center 30-74 Steinway Street, 2nd floor Astoria NY , 11103 phone: (718) 429-2300 | |
| Fire Department | ||
Engine 263, Ladder 117 42-06 Astoria Blvd South Astoria NY , 11107 | ||
| Local Hospitals | ||
Queens Surgical Community Center 46-04 31st Ave Long Island City NY , 11103-1842 phone: (718) 545-5050 | Steinway Family Health Center 25-92 Steinway Street Astoria NY , 11103 phone: (718) 721-6100 | |
| Parks and Playgrounds | ||
Astoria Park Pool 19th Street and 23rd Drive Astoria NY , 11105 phone: (718) 626-8620 | Astoria Heights Recreational Park 30th Road between 45th and 46th Streets | Athens Square Park 30th Avenue and 30th Street Astoria NY , |
Broadway Playground 38th Street between 31st Avenue and Broadway | ||
| Police Department | ||
| Post Office | ||
Steinway Post Office 43-04 Broadway Astoria NY , 11103-9997 phone: (800) 275-8777 | ||
| Private / Parochial Schools | ||
Corpus Christi 31-29 60th Street Woodside NY , 11377 phone: (718) 721-2484 | El-ber Islamic School 25-42 49th Street Astoria NY , 11103 phone: (718) 274-9060 | Evangelical Christian 31-29 Crescent Street Long Island City NY , 11103 phone: (718) 937-9601 |
Most Precious Blood 32-52 37th Street Long Island City NY , 11103 phone: (718) 721-9850 | Queens Lutheran School 31-20 21st Avenue Astoria NY , 11102 phone: (718) 721-4313 | Saint Demetrios Greek American School| 30-03 30th Drive Astoria NY , 11102 phone: (718) 728-1754 |
Saint. Joseph School 28-46 44 Street Long Island City NY , 11103 phone: (718) 728-0724 | ||
| Public Elementary Schools | ||
P.S. 70 30-45 42 Street Long Island City NY , 11103 phone: (718) 728-4646 | ||
| Public High Schools | ||
Aviation Career and Technical High School 45-30 36 Street Long Island City NY , 11101 phone: (718) 361-2032 | ||
William Cullen Bryant High School 48-10 31st Avenue Long Island City NY , 11103 phone: (718) 721-5404 | ||
| Public Intermediate / Junior High Schools | ||
| Senior Centers | ||
Senior Healthcare Center 27-15 30th Avenue Astoria NY , 11102 phone: (718) 932-0007 | Woodside Senior Center 50-37 Newtown Road, Building 19 Woodside NY , 11377 phone: (718) 932-6916 | |
| Elected Officials | |
| NYC Council Hon. Costa Constantinides CConstantinides@council.nyc.gov | |
District Office 31-09 Newtown Avenue, Suite 209 Astoria NY, 11102 phone: (718) 274-4500 fax: (646) 661-4500 | Manhattan Office 250 Broadway, Suite 1778 New York NY, 10007 phone: (212) 788-6963 |
| NYC Council Hon. Jimmy Van Bramer JVanBramer@council.nyc.gov | |
District Office Address 47-01 Queens Boulevard, Suite 205 Sunnyside NY, 11104 phone: (718) 383-9566 fax: (718) 383-9076 | Manhattan Office Address 250 Broadway, Suite 1833 New York NY , 10007 phone: (212) 788-7370 fax: (212) 513-7195 |
| NYS Assembly Hon. Brian Barnwell BarnwellB@nyassembly.gov | |
District Office 55-19 69th Street Maspeth NY, 11378 phone: (718) 651-3185 fax: (718) 651-3027 | Albany Office LOB, Room 921 Albany NY, 12248 phone: (518) 455-4755 fax: (518) 455-5032 |
| NYS Senate Hon. Michael Gianaris Gianaris@nysenate.gov | |
District Office 31-19 Newtown Avenue, Suite 402 Astoria NY , 11102 phone: (718) 728-0960 fax: (718) 728-0963 | Albany Office Capitol Building, Room 413 Albany NY, 12247 phone: (518) 455-3486 fax: (518) 426-6929 |
| US Congress Hon. Carolyn Maloney | |
District Office 31-19 Newtown Avenue Astoria NY , 11102 phone: (718) 932-1804 fax: (718) 932-1805 | Legislative Office 2308 Rayburn House Office Building Washington DC, 20515 phone: (202) 225-7944 fax: (202) 225-4709 |
| Boro President Hon. Melinda Katz Info@queensbp.org | |
| Mayor Hon. Bill de Blasio | |
History
Dutch settlers were the first inhabitants of the area that is now known as Long Island City. This area was the first part of Queens to be settled. The name Long Island City was created by Captain Levy Hayden in 1853. After selling a large number of shares from his Hunter’s Point Marine Railway to the Beebe family of Ravenswood Captain Hayden named the area with the hope that one day all of the Hunter’s Point, Astoria, and Ravenswood would be unified. The idea of a Long Island City came from these areas wanting their own self government. A public referendum was passed on February 16, 1869 by a vote of 299 for and 150 against. The city was charted as a merging of the villages of Astoria, Steinway, Ravenswood, and Hunter’s Point. It borders the East River in the North and West and Newton Creek to the South.
The charter to establish Long Island City was signed on Wednesday May 4, 1870. Abraham D. Ditmars, of Astoria, was the city’s first Mayor. Early problems for the new city were a lack in decent roads to travel upon. Due mainly to the financial resources and tenacity of James Thomson many of the major roads of Long Island City were completely paved by 1880. This included the complete drainage of Ravenswood swamp. Most of the inland territory of what is now Long Island City was made up mostly of marshland. The city was prosperous due to thriving community industries in oil and glass. The city quickly gained the reputation of being a commercial and industrial district. One of the most prominent families were the Steinways. The German family, headed by Patrick Henry Steinway, were responsible for many upgrades to the Long Island City community and industry. They created streetcar lines, a piano factory, and a successful amusement park called North Beach which operated from 1886 to 1920. This park was located on the spot that is now known as La Guardia Airport. Riker’s Island once belonged to Long Island City until it was purchased by New York City in September 1884 for the price of $2,500.
Long Island City operated as its own separate entity outside of greater New York City. Mayor Henry S. Debevoise was arrested on a warrant by the citizens for fraud and his ineffectiveness as mayor during a tense battle with gamblers that had invaded the city in the early 1880’s. Patrick Jerome Gleason won the mayoral election of 1886 and became just as notorious as Henry Debevoise. Mayor Gleason appointed himself chief officer of the Police board, Fire Department, and Board of Education while appropriating funds of over $245,000 for a school that was not completed until he was removed from office. Gleason’s acts of corruption gave the once highly touted community a reputation of political crime that was looked at badly by the rest of the country. These acts of corruption led to the Consolidation Act for a Greater New York which led to Long Island City becoming a part of greater New York in 1898.
The creation of the Queensboro Bridge in 1909 opened the isolated suburb to commuters who now had quick access into and out of Manhattan. The opening of the Penn Tubes in 1910 opened Long Island to travel from the Southern section of the city. People now had accessibility to other parts of New York and the once strong economic clout of Long Island City was slowly taken away by Manhattan. Over time many immigrants from various European countries such as Italy and Iceland came to settle in Long Island City. By far the biggest ethnic group is from Greece as Long Island City boasts the largest number of Greek people outside from the country of Greece.
Today Long Island City stands as one of the most industrialized melting pots of New York City and the United States.
In 1893 a movement to establish a Free Public Library began in the Long Island City community. The first Broadway Branch was opened in 1906 on 9th Avenue. It was the sixth library unit built for the Queens Public Library system. Circulation for the first year was 36,000. Circulation grew steadily leading to several changes in location.
Children’s services in particular lead to two major moves. The first move led to a Children’s facility created in 1930 on Steinway Street. Children’s programs became so popular that they had to be discontinued due to lack of space. The need for more room led to the opening of the library’s current location on April 25, 1958. The three story building is 15,800 in square feet and is located at 40-20 Broadway in Long Island City.
Sources
Seyfried, Vincent F. , 300 Years of Long Island City 1630-1930, Queens Historical Society Publication 1984
Websites
Friends Group
Hours & Locations
40-20 Broadway
Long Island City, NY 11103
(718) 721-2462 
| Mon | 9:00 AM | - | 8:00 PM |
| Tue | 1:00 PM | - | 6:00 PM |
| Wed | 10:00 AM | - | 6:00 PM |
| Thu | 12:00 PM | - | 8:00 PM |
| Fri | 10:00 AM | - | 6:00 PM |
| Sat | 10:00 AM | - | 5:00 PM |
| Sun | Closed | ||
