To the delight of borough bookworms, the Ridgewood branch of the Queens Public Library reopened its doors Saturday to reveal its complete renovation.
During the final phase, the main reading room and mezzanine level were completely redone and more space was made for adults. A separate library for teenagers was also created.
“This moment has been a long time coming and I congratulate my colleagues in government and the Friends of the Ridgewood Library whose persistent advocacy led to this library being so beautifully renovated,” Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Sunnyside) said in a statement. “The renovations of this state-of-the-art facility will go a long way in helping increase the accessibility of this library and its resources for the community.”
To speed up checking in and out, self-service machines were also installed which allow library patrons to return books 24 hours a day.
The final phase of the plan came five years after the elevator and children’s room got a makeover in 2006.
The total cost of the project was $3.4 million.
While the doors were closed, residents had to travel to the Middle Village, Glendale or Maspeth branches of the library.
— Joe Anuta
