Several community members heard thoughts from New York City and Queens Public Library leadership on the Central Library’s 60th anniversary. Photo by Ramy Mahmoud

Among those on hand for this celebration were Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis Walcott, Queens Public Library Chief Librarian Nick Buron and New York City Deputy Mayor for Economic Justice Julie Su.

“This library was my backyard. This is where my mother sent us in the summer. This was my summer camp too,” Richards said. “No matter your socioeconomic status, your immigration status, your zip code, the Queens Library is open to everyone and has always been open to everyone.”

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards addresses the audience. Photo by Ramy Mahmoud

“This library represents a lifeline to people. It represents hope for people,” Walcott said. “We have so many things because we are so involved in the community, and the community is so involved in us. It would never be possible without having a great team of individuals providing services here on a regular basis.”

Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis Walcott speaks during the 60th anniversary celebration of the Central Library. Photo by Ramy Mahmoud

Festivities at the Central Library included various family-friendly activities, interactive workshops, a live DJ, a caricature station, a photo booth and an evening concert honoring legendary Queens-based musicians, including Louis Armstrong, Burt Bacharach, Simon and Garfunkel and more.

Following an opening ceremony, Queens Borough Historian Jason Antos gave a presentation during the unveiling of an exhibit on the Central Library’s history and legacy.

Community members had the opportunity to share their personal experiences with the Central Library, as well as with the entire Queens Public Library system. This was part of the library’s “Queens Memory” community archiving program.

Several local kids collaborated on a paper mural celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Central Library. They also had the opportunity to take part in hands-on activities like making bookmarks and writing letters to the Library in the Children’s Library Discovery Center.

Teens were able to participate in a scavenger hunt escape challenge and contribute to a time capsule that will be opened 60 years from now, in 2086, via handwritten reflections on the library, recorded video messages, a group photo and a favorite book.

Proclaimations were issued to the Central Library in recognition of its 60th year by Richards and New York State Senators Leroy Comrie and Toby Ann Stavisky.
(Left to right) New York City Deputy Mayor for Economic Justice Julie Su, Queens Public Library Chief Librarian Nick Buron, Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis Walcott and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards with the proclamation from Richards’ office. Photo by Ramy Mahmoud
Queens Public Library leadership with the proclamations from State Senators Leroy Comrie and Toby Ann Stavisky. Photo by Ramy Mahmoud

The original Central Library opened in 1930 at 89-14 Parsons Blvd. After outgrowing this space, the Central Library moved to its current location in 1966. The building has evolved over the years, including a major renovation in 1989 and the addition of the Children’s Library Discovery Center in 2011.

“In 1966, the Central Library of Jamaica relocated to this address because Queens was changing, and this library refused to be left behind,” Su said. “And 60 years later, that same instinct to meet people where they are still defines this place.”