The Last Closed Bayside Library Branch Will Fully Reopen In July

BAYSIDE, QUEENS — The Queens Public Library (QPL) system said Thursday that it will reopen a dozen more branches that have been closed to visitors throughout the pandemic — including one in Bayside.

Starting July 12, the Bay Terrace library, located at 18-36 Bell Boulevard, will reopen at near-full service, including unlimited browsing, open seating, and hour-long computer reservations.

The library has remained shuttered through the pandemic, even as other locations across the borough reopened in recent months.

The QPL closed its entire 63-branch system last year when COVID-19 hit New York.

Starting last July, some locations reopened for grab-and-go service, followed by the addition of browsing and computer use at more than a dozen branches earlier this spring.

Now, when the Bay Terrace library reopens for the first time in over a year, it will be nearly like a pre-pandemic normal. While browsing, sitting, and computer use will be fully restored, masks will still be required for people who are not fully vaccinated — fully vaccinated staff and library-goers do not have to wear masks.

Also, starting this summer the library is working to "gradually" restore some indoor public programs and classes.