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.”
