Queens’ Langston Hughes Library named finalist for national award

The Langston Hughes Library is one of 30 nominees for a top national prize. Photo courtesy of Queens Public Library

By Rachel Vick

The Langston Hughes branch of the Queens Public Library is one of 30 finalists for a top national prize recognizing the contributions of cultural institutions. 

The Corona library is up for the National Medal for Museum and Library Service, among the highest awards for arts, science and other cultural venues.

“We are honored to receive this prestigious nomination,” said Shakira Smalls, executive director of the Langston Hughes Community Library and Cultural Center. “We take pride in being a haven for support, information, and most importantly, a sense of community to our patrons. This recognition reminds us of the critical impact librarianship has on a community during challenging times.”

Langston Hughes Library was founded in 1969 through the work of the Library Action Committee of East Elmhurst and Corona, an anti-poverty program. The library was created to serve as a source of information and cultural hub for the Black community.

The library houses the Black Heritage Reference Center of Queens County, the largest Black heritage reading collection, with 40,000 volumes, and an art collection that includes painting, photography and traditional African art. 

The library isn’t the only Queens institution nominated for the prize. The Queens Museum is also a contender.

The winners will be announced in May.