Queens Public Library branches set to reopen next month

Children participate in a pre-COVID activity at a QPL branch. Photo courtesy of QPL

By David Brand

Up to eight branches of the Queens Public Library system will reopen for book pick-up and drop-off in July, four mounts after shutting their doors due to COVID-19.

QPL President Dennis Walcott wrote a blog post outlining the basics of the reopening plan on the QPL website June 4.

“We, along with the Brooklyn and New York public library systems, aim to start reopening our physical locations in mid-July, barring unforeseen circumstances,” Walcott wrote. 

The final plan is not set in stone and will depend on public health guidance and continued impact of the coronavirus, he continued. 

Since closing all 66 branches on March 16, the QPL has produced educational video content and live streamed events for children, adults and families. The QPL has also ramped up eBook service, setting records for most eBooks checked out in a month.

“We have strengthened our resolve to meet our mission, delivering critical services and resources remotely and offering everyone, no matter who they are or where they come from, the chance to realize the promise of their lives,” Walcott said.

All library patrons will be required to wear masks when they pick up or drop off books in a designated area of the building, Walcott said. 

A QPL spokesperson said Walcott and library officials have not yet identified which branches will reopen first.

EBook checkouts surged in the first two weeks after QPL closed its branches to the public.  Users checked out 40,633 eBooks — which can be read on Kindles, iPads and other devices — in the second half of March — 25 percent more than before COVID-19 restrictions took effect, QPL said.

Circulation reached an all-time high in March, as the combined eBook and multimedia materials surpassed the previous record, set in March of last year, by more than 7,000 checkouts.