Steinway Library reopens after renovations
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The Steinway Library in Astoria re-opened its doors on Tuesday after eight months of renovations. Photo from Queens Public Library
By Ryan Schwach
The Steinway branch of the Queens Public Library reopened on Tuesday after an eight month closure for renovations.
Library officials and local electeds cut a ribbon on the newly renovated Astoria building, which marked the completion of the second of a two-phase project to renovate and upgrade the building in the past few years.
“Steinway library has served Astoria residents for more than 130 years, and the extensive upgrades will help ensure it remains a cornerstone of the community for generations to come,” said Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis Walcott. “We look forward to welcoming back our customers, and introducing new ones, to an inspiring, modern space that is accessible to all.”
The renovations include improvements to the branch’s main floor and cellar, as well as new furniture, paint, carpeting, shelving and new technology, including new computers and scanners.
“The historic Steinway Library has been an anchor of this community for the many generations of families who have passed through its doors,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards. “Now that its extensive renovation is complete, all Astoria families will have equitable access to the many educational and enrichment opportunities the Steinway library will be offering inside its newly upgraded building.”
Other local officials hope the new amenities at the library will help service the diverse community of Astoria.
“I'm so thrilled that the Steinway branch of the Queens Public Library has now officially reopened,” said Assemblymember Jessica González Rojas. “With all of the new renovations and improvements, including major accessibility upgrades, the new Steinway library will undoubtedly be a central hub again for our children, families, and seniors to learn and engage with this critical fixture of the community. The programming provided at this location is exactly why we must continue to invest in and support our libraries.”
The original Steinway Library was founded in 1890 by William Steinway, of the famed piano making family based in Astoria, mainly to serve neighborhood immigrants. It was one of the three original branches that in 1896 had become part of the Long Island City Public Library system, which was later renamed to Queens Borough Public Library.
The library will be open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesdays from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., Thursdays from noon to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
