Long-Awaited Astoria Library Renovations Complete; Branch Reopens

ASTORIA, QUEENS — After a years-long closure, and a multi-million-dollar renovation, one of Astoria's library branches reopened this week.

The Steinway Library, located at 21-45 31st Street, reopened on Tuesday after a $4.9 million facelift, including ADA accessibility upgrades, like a new ramped entrance and elevator that services the library's three levels.

Renovations, which began at the end of 2018, were initially slated for completion in 2019, but delays left readers in Ditmars Steinway without a library for over three years.

News of the Steinway branch's reopening, albeit belated, was still cause for excitement among neighbors.

"So glad! Been schlepping to the Astoria Boulevard branch to pick up all my requests," wrote one on a neighborhood reddit thread.

"Woot! So glad to have our local library back," echoed another. "It has been sorely missed."

Indeed, before it closed, the library was one of the busiest in Queens, serving nearly 200,000 customers and circulating more than 225,000 materials a year, library officials said in a news statement this week.

The long-awaited, ADA-focused upgrades are intended to help the library better serve all of its thousands of patrons better — a point echoed by the many local politicians and library leaders who commented on its reopening.

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, for instance, said that the renovation means that "all Astoria families, regardless of ability, finally have equitable access to the educational and enrichment opportunities this library provides."

In addition to accessibility upgrades, the multi-million-renovation includes a new 24/7 book return machine by the 31st Street entrance, new insulated glazing that increases the building's energy efficiency, and three new bathrooms, including an all-gender, single-occupant restroom (which is also accessible).

Queens Public Library President and CEO, Dennis M. Walcott, acknowledged that locals have been "eagerly waiting" the branch's reopening, and said that the "crucial upgrades" make it a better space for all.

When the upgrade was first proposed, it was reportedly the second-phase of a three-part building improvement project, which kicked off in 2010.

The project's final phase was initially slated to include renovations to the children's bathrooms, meeting rooms, and staff rooms — though some of those upgrades, like renovations to the children's area and staff and manager offices, were completed as a part of this project, according to the library news release.

Improvements to the library's main floor, cellar, and HVAC system are still in the works, according to the Queens Public Library, which said it is "in the process of planning additional upgrades" but said nothing of additional closures.