Color-themed clothes, family-friendly projects, giveaways, scavenger hunts, easy access to the most popular reads and more were just a few ways that the Queens Public Library celebrated its 130th anniversary March 19.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor 130 years, our libraries have opened doors to opportunity for the people of Queens,\u201d said QPL President and CEO Dennis Walcott via email to the Chronicle. \u201cGrowing from one location in Long Island City to 66 branches across the borough, we have continually evolved, expanding beyond books and beyond our walls to offer everything from children\u2019s storytimes and [English for Speakers of Other Languages] classes for new Americans to free Wi-Fi, computer access, job skills workshops, and other essential services that meet the changing needs of our diverse communities.\u201d<\/p>\n
To highlight its rich collection, the QPL provided instant access to its most frequently checked-out e-book titles and series through the Libby app and OverDrive platform.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The app allows people free e-books, audiobooks and more. OverDrive is a distributor of e-books, audiobooks and online magazines.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Readers can check out the books at queenslibrary.overdrive.com<\/a> and libbyapp.com\/library\/queenslibrary<\/a>.<\/p>\n The library system said some of its most popular books include \u201cKatabasis\u201d by R. F. Kuang, \u201cThe Let Them Theory\u201d by Mel Robbins, \u201cThe Astral Library\u201d by Kate Quinn, \u201cWe Are All Guilty Here\u201d by Karin Slaughter, \u201cThe God of the Woods\u201d by Liz Moore, \u201cDemon Copperhead\u201d by Barbara Kingsolver, \u201cRemarkably Bright Creatures\u201d by Shelby Van Pelt, \u201cJames\u201d by Percival Everett and \u201cKin\u201d by Tayari Jones.<\/p>\n The other books included Rachel Reid\u2019s \u201cGame Changers\u201d series that includes \u201cHeated Rivalry,\u201d a gay hockey romance which was adapted for HBO Max in 2025 and became a sensation for the streamer; and Maggie O\u2019Farrell\u2019s \u201cHamnet,\u201d a fictional account of William Shakespeare\u2019s family and how the author and his wife dealt with the tragic death of their son Hamnet. The latter story was adapted for the silver screen by critically acclaimed director Chlo\u00e9 Zhao and stars Paul Mescal as Shakespeare and Jessie Buckley as his wife. Buckley won the Oscar for Best Lead Actress at the 2026 Academy Awards.\u00a0<\/p>\n Some of the trending children\u2019s and teens titles include \u201cDog Man: Big Jim Believes\u201d by Dav Pilkey and \u201cDiary of a Wimpy Kid: Partypoopers\u201d by Jeff Kinney.<\/p>\n Other popular books include \u201cSunrise on the Reaping\u201d by Suzanne Collins, which is a prequel to her \u201cHunger Games\u201d series, and \u201cA Court of Thorns and Roses\u201d by Sarah Maas. The latter book had a canceled TV adaptation on Hulu, as the author wanted more creative control. However, she will be releasing a sixth book installment to her fantasy series on Oct. 27 and a seventh on Jan. 12, 2027, as she works to bring her books to the small screen. The former will have a movie adaptation on Nov. 20.<\/p>\n The books had more than 3,000 holds combined prior to the launch of the campaign on March 19, said a QPL spokeswoman.\u00a0<\/p>\n One key library initiative was a scavenger hunt, which was launched last Thursday. The challenge was for patrons to explore every QPL location during the library network\u2019s release of its trading cards that highlight a unique feature of each branch, said the library spokeswoman. The hunt started with 20 cards, and additional sets will be released during National Library Week in April.\u00a0<\/p>\n Auburndale Library organized a birthday card writing activity for teens and adults, while some branches created special displays and staff throughout the system wore purple, the QPL\u2019s signature color, last Thursday.\u00a0<\/p>\n North Hills Library in Douglaston offered grab-and-go bags with crafts and small giveaways on March 20.\u00a0<\/p>\n