Flushing Library reopens

The Flushing QPL branch is once again open to patrons. Photo via QPL

By Rachel Vick

The Flushing Queens Public Library Branch reopened Monday for the first time since the start of the pandemic.

Patrons were able to return to the building with a newly repaired ventilation system and elevators.

“This is a great day for the Flushing community,” said Council Member Ung. “This library is so much more than a place to check out books, it hosts community events for families, provides a safe place for teens to gather after school, and keeps our seniors connected. For the many local residents who have limited English proficiency, the Flushing Library is often where they learn what is going on in their community.”

“In fact, all of the shelves on the third floor of the library contain materials in languages other than English, so this branch doesn’t just serve Flushing residents, it’s a resource for the diverse immigrant communities across the borough,” she added. “I’m so pleased that it is finally open to the public again.”

The branch will be open Monday through Thursday from 10 am. to 8 p.m., on Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Flushing Library initially opened for staff in July 2020 to process requests for books and other materials, after offering to-go service from November 2020 until March 2021 — when the City began using it for its free COVID-19 vaccination site.

They had to close the building and cease vaccination operations in June 2021 when the building’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning failed. A temporary system is in place with a new system slated to be installed in the next two years.

"Striking this balance has been an enormously complicated undertaking that involved a great deal of thought, time, and creativity," said Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott. "Our team came up with a solution that enables us to carry out our mission as we work to provide greater access to all the resources Flushing offers, and the staff at Flushing have done an outstanding job making sure the library is as ready, inviting, and inspiring as possible when the public returns.”