Assemblywoman Nily Rozic, Queens Public Library leadership, representatives from the Utopia Estates Civic Association and Shalom Ima, and local officials celebrated the grand reopening of the Hillcrest Library Children’s Room on April 8.
Photo courtesy Office of Assemblywoman Nily Rozic
Assemblywoman Nily Rozic and Queens Public Library leadership celebrated the official reopening of the newly renovated Children’s Room at the Hillcrest Library with a special story time featuring My Gym Queens on April 8.
This project was funded through a $250,000 state grant secured by Rozic specifically for the Hillcrest branch.
According to a news release from Rozic’s office, the grant funded the design and structural renovation of the Children’s Area and Meeting Room, modernizing the space to better serve neighborhood families.
Improvements include updated furniture and shelving; asbestos abatement and air monitoring; upgraded power and data connections; and new computers, carpeting and paint.
The opening was attended by local families, representatives from the Utopia Estates Civic Association and Shalom Ima, and local officials.
“For years, families like mine have relied on the Hillcrest branch as a place for learning, exploration and community,” Rozic said. “This renovation ensures that our children have a bright, accessible, and inspired space designed specifically for them. It is especially meaningful to celebrate this reopening by sharing a story together, marking the beginning of a new chapter for young readers in our community.”
QPL President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott said he was grateful to Rozic for investing in the library, which he noted has served the community as a hub of learning, growth and opportunity for nearly 50 years.
“Thanks to her support, the branch’s children’s area and meeting room now feature new technology and furnishings, creating a more welcoming and inspiring space for all,” he said.
Construction on the library began in late summer 2025, with the branch reopening in phases to minimize service disruption.
The Children’s Area and Meeting Room were completed earlier this year, finishing up with shelving and other finishing touches before welcoming families back into the redesigned space.
The Hillcrest branch serves a diverse and growing population in Queens, the news release continued, and remains an essential hub for educational and cultural programming.
“Today’s reopening of Hillcrest Library provides vital community benefits, offering residents free access to educational resources, technology and safe spaces for students, families, single parents and seniors to learn, connect and grow,” said Shalom Ima founder Mazal Matayev. “The event underscores the library’s role as a hub for community programs, workforce development, and cultural engagement that strengthen neighborhood ties.”
Local officials also commended Rozic’s efforts to secure funding for the vital community institution, including U.S. Rep. Grace Meng, Assemblyman David Weprin and State Sen. John Liu.
Meng said she was thrilled to take part in the official reopening of the children’s room at the Hillcrest Branch, emphasizing the importance of providing spaces for children to learn and develop.
“It is crucial that we make the needed investments to help children learn and grow and that includes resources like the children’s room at our local libraries such as this newly renovated one at the Hillcrest Branch,” Meng said. “As the mom of two boys, I know firsthand how important libraries are to kids in our communities. Thank you to Assemblywoman Rozic for securing the crucial funding that made these improvements possible.”
Weprin said the investments made to the Hillcrest Library will help service communities for many years to come — especially children and their families.
“The Hillcrest Library is a fantastic resource for our area, and I’m overjoyed to see the results of this $250,000 investment by Assemblywoman Nily Rozic,” Weprin said. “I join my neighbors in their excitement for the official reopening of the Queens Public Library’s Hillcrest Branch.”
And, Liu pointed out, libraries mean much more than just books and resources.
“For kids, a library isn’t just a place to borrow books — it’s a space where they can explore different cultures and expand their horizons,” Liu said. “We’re so excited to see the children’s area reopen, now easier to use and more comfortable after the renovations.”
Funding for the library marks the second grant allocation announced by Rozic for 2026.
Last year, the assemblywoman secured over $1.5 million dollars in state funding for local schools and community centers, including major renovations and vital programming.
Before securing funding for the Hillcrest Library, Rozic invested $50,000 for a bilingual maternal health education program at Charles B. Wang Community Health Center, which was announced last month.