Douglaston Library Among Those In Most Need Of Repair, Report Says

QUEENS — Queens has two of the city's libraries that are most in need of repairs, a report showed.

The list of the ten most underserved branches was compiled as part of the campaign Invest In Libraries and which involves the institutions in Brooklyn, New York and Queens.

The Douglaston-Little Neck Library, which doubles as an art gallery, isn't big enough to serve its neighborhood, the report said. Currently home to three permanent art galleries, two historical photo exhibits and a lecture and film series about the area’s Native American population, its only program space is able to fit just 45 people at a time.

Pointing out that the branch offers more than 400 programs per year, library patron Arline Abdalian said in the report, “Our meeting room can legally seat only 45 people, yet our events and programs have consistently drawn standing-room-only crowds.”

According to the report, the Rosedale Community Library, located at 144-20 243 Street, experiences chronic flooding due to the marshland surrounding the area. The flooding, which has plagued the branch since its opening in 1962, has caused extensive damage to the library's basement and has caused mold and mildew. As one of Queens' smallest public library branches, Rosedale Community Library has outlived its usefulness and cannot accommodate the community's growing demands, the report said.

“Sometimes after a rain, one can smell something unpleasant,” said Guy Bernard Lalanne, a long-time patron of the library.

Other libraries on the list are:

• West Farms Library, in The Bronx, which experiences chronic roof leaks.
• Countee Cullen Library, in Harlem, which suffers from overloaded electrical circuits and power outages.
• Pacific Library, in Park Slope, which has faulty air conditioners.
• West New Brighton Library, on Staten Island, which experiences severe overcrowding.
• Saratoga Library, in Bed-Stuy, which lacks an elevator and proper ventilation.
• Andrew Heiskell Library, in Chelsea, which has a problematic heating system.
• Great Kills Library, on Staten Island, which suffers from water damage.
• Allerton Library, in The Bronx, which has broken elevators.

Invest In Libraries, which is run by the city's three public library systems, is requesting $150 million be added to the city's 2018 financial year budget for maintenance and repairs and an additional $34 million to keep libraries open seven days a week.

Lead image via Google Maps