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Read the press release here.

New Hunters Point Library Is On Its Way

By Ewa Kern-Jedrychowska | September 27, 2012 1:36pm

HUNTERS POINT — The waterfront site of the new library that will boast an outdoor amphitheater and a rooftop reading garden will be dedicated next week.

During the event, "we are going to symbolically plant the seed of the library," said Jennifer Manley of Queens Library, who noted the groundbreaking is expected sometime next year.

The new building, designed by Steven Holl, a well-known architect, is scheduled to be completed in 2014.

Zygmunt Staszewski, vicepresident of the CityLights Building, situated across the street from the future library, said he hoped the project would bring the local community together.

“People get to know each other within their buildings, but this will be the space to integrate the entire neighborhood,” he said.

Staszewski also noted the library is necessary for children attending P.S. 78, which is located within the CityLights Building, and two other schools that are being built in the area.

The 21,000 square feet library will be built at Center Boulevard and 48th Avenue, next to Gantry Plaza State Park. It addition to the amphitheater and the reading garden, which will offer panoramic views, the library will feature an adult reading collection, a children's area, a teen area, a cybercenter and a conference room, according to Steven Holl Architects.

The exterior will be made of  an “aluminum rainskin,” according to the architect’s website,  which will “give the exterior a subtle sparkle and glow, without being overly shiny.”

The website also added: “At night the glowing presence of the new library along the waterfront joins the Pepsi sign and the "Long Island" sign at the old Gantry to become a beacon and inviting icon for this new community place."

The site will be officially dedicated on Friday, Oct. 5 at 10:30 a.m. Queens Library said it is inviting residents to join elected officials, including Queens Borough President Helen Marshall, and Queens Library President Tom Galante to participate in the event.