2 Central Queens Libraries To Reopen For Browsing, Research

REGO PARK, QUEENS — After being limited for months to grab-and-go service amid the pandemic, two central Queens library branches are among a dozen to reopen next week for expanded services, following the opening of 14 Queens Public Library branches on May 10.

The Queens Public Library branches in Rego Park, at 91-41 63rd Drive, and Briarwood, at 85-12 Main Street, are two of the borough’s 12 locations that will offer browsing and computer use on May 24 for the first time since they shut down last spring, according to the QPL website.

The reopening isn't complete, since patrons can only visit in half-hour increments, but it's the first time that branches have opened their doors to patrons in over a year — which many are hailing as a victory, especially amid declining coronavirus rates and millions of vaccinations.

"This is another one of these turning point moments: to have the libraries back for everyone," Mayor Bill de Blasio said last week at a news conference.

More branches will reopen in the summer, and the city's libraries are hoping to fully reopen "as soon as possible in 2021," according to a news release.

The complete list of libraries open in the World's Borough can be found on the QPL website here.