City Department of Design and Construction Commissioner David Burney, Councilmember Daniel Dromm, Queens Borough President Helen Marshall, Queens Library President & CEO Thomas W. Galante and Stalco Construction President Alan Nahmias. Queens Borough President Helen Marshall, Queens Library CEO Thomas Galante and Councilmember Daniel Dromm poured the last of the concrete for the foundation of the new Queens Library at Elmhurst as they were cheered on by members of the community. The new library is anticipated to open in 2014.

“Future success is based on a solid foundation. And so, it is my pleasure today to join City Councilman Danny Dromm, Library President and CEO Tom Galante and all our partners in government and the community to put the finishing touches on a foundation that will support a wonderful state-of-the-art library that will include a Memory Wall and original building bricks to acknowledge our past as we build for the future. I have believed for many years in the power of libraries to educate and inspire. And, I have had the privilege of allocating more than $117 million to our libraries since becoming Borough President in 2002. I take great pride in knowing that more than $23.5 million from my office will help to build this new facility, which will double the size of the former Elmhurst library,” said Marshall.

In addition to general contractor Stalco Construction and Marpillero Pollak Architects, the project team includes structural engineer Severud Associates and lighting designer and landscape architect Wallace Roberts & Todd.

The new Queens Library at Elmhurst will be double the size of the former library, featuring four levels for customer service with elevator access to all levels. Features include separate library areas for adults, children and teens; a large 32-computer Cyber Center for customer use; a new Adult Learner Center; an interior reading atrium and front and rear community gardens. “Memory features” will preserve the library’s legacy in the community. Original bricks will be used in the new façade. The nostalgic Children’s Room fireplace will be relocated to the new building. There will be a 1906 Memory Wall plus many other acknowledgments of the library’s long history in the community. The new library will cost $27.8 million. Funding for the new library was provided by Marshall, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Dromm.

While the new building is under construction, library service is being provided from a temporary building located behind the church on 85-08 51st Ave. at Broadway. The Adult Learning Center is holding classes in the St. James Gymnasium at 84-07 Broadway.