Queens Public Library cancels March programming

Queens Public Library CEO Dennis Walcott has cancelled programming at libraries for the rest of March. Photo by William Alatriste via City Council/Flickr

By Rachel Vick

The Queens Public Library has cancelled all programming for the rest of March amid Covid-19 coronavirus anxiety, but libraries will remain open.

The QPL announced Thursday that all activities and events, including classes and workshops are suspended for the rest of the month, at least.

The libraries will, however, maintain regular hours and take extra precautions as part of their efforts to mitigate the spread of the virus without completely eliminating a resource that thousands rely on across the borough.

“We’re just trying to serve the public as best we can, considering the situation,” said QPL spokesperson Ewa Kern-Jedrychowska.  “We’re a safe space for people. They still rely on the library for access to the internet; access to information is needed more than ever and we’re going to provide it as best we can.”

In addition to increasing the frequency of disinfecting and cleaning their facilities, they have also removed toys from the children’s spaces. 

To prepare for a decrease in in-person visits and for those hesitant to venture into public spaces, the library system is increasing the amount of digitally-accessible content like ebooks, audiobook and streaming films. 

“We want people to call if they're not comfortable coming to the library,” Kern-Jedrychowska said. “We want them to know our librarians will do their best to accommodate and answer questions.”