ELMHURST — The neighborhood's library is finally set to reopen in a brand-new, $32.4 million space that officials say honors the original building build 110 years ago.
The Elmhurst branch of the Queens Library, at 86-01 Broadway, closed in 2011 for a demolition and rebuild that was originally only supposed to take two years. But it was delayed multiple times throughout construction.
The four-story library — which, at 32,000 square feet is double the size of the original building — will be celebrated with a grand reopening on Tuesday, Dec. 20, officials said.
It was designed by Marpillero Pollak Architects, who incorporated touches from the original Carnegie library, built in 1906 — including a fireplace mantel and bricks from that library are spread out around the new building.
And above the main checkout counter is a 336-foot-long architectural drawing of the original library, officials said.
The library is flanked by outdoor gardens and seating. (Queens Library)
With the historical touches, the building also features new features — two green roofs, a wall installation from artist Allan McCollum, separate spaces for adult, teen and children library goers and 13,000-square-feet of outdoor space.
There will also be a separate adult learning center, community gardens and books in nine languages.
