The Woodhaven Library on Forest Parkway will undergo a renovation starting sometime in the winter. File photo.
The Woodhaven Library is set to undergo a large renovation that will see many amenities added to the facility. The proposed renovation will reportedly take place in two phases and will bring several new additions including a new checkout system, new shelving and new computer tables.
According to spokesman from the office of Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley (D-Middle Village), Eric Yun, the councilwoman allocated $713,000 in total for the capital project and the first phase of the overhaul is expected to cost around $674,000. It is not known how much the second phase will cost and the total dollar amount for the entire project.
“While we’ve had many libraries renovated throughout the city over the years, the Woodhaven one has been forgotten about,” the council woman said.
Jennifer Manley, the Director of Government and Community Affairs at the Queens Library, said that among the additions to that library during phase I of the project is self-check-in technology, which will be available 24/7 and allow patrons to return books at their convenience. An ADA-compatible bathroom will also be installed on the first floor, according to Manley.
Supporters of the project say the renovation at that library is long needed and overdue.
While the Woodhaven community will stand to benefit long-term from the renovation, there could be a potential short-term problem for the area.
Crowley said that she is working with Queens Library to keep at least part of the facility open during the rebuilding. Queens Library officials have said that it would be difficult to do that and that the branch may have to be closed down while the construction is going on. Manley said that it is exploring options temporary library service for that branch if it closes down for the renovation.
The temporary service option may be a library van parked outside the branch, which was what happened when the Elmhurst branch of the Queens Library was closed down for renovation.
“We just want to make sure that while it’s under renovation, it doesn’t impact us too much,” Crowley said.
Manley said that it is not yet known when exactly the project will begin, only saying that it will start this winter.
By Luis Gronda
