Welcome Back to Seaside Library

By Katie McFadden

Seaside Library is finally open! After closing nearly two years ago for HVAC repairs, visitors were once again welcomed to Rockaway Park’s library.

After Queens Public Library (QPL) President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott and Council Member Joann Ariola opened the library doors on Thursday, February 5, eager visitors were given applause and a warm “welcome back” by library staff. The library, located at 116-15 Rockaway Beach Blvd., had been closed since May 2024 for the installation of a new heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system.

“We know the community has eagerly awaited the reopening of this branch, and our team is thrilled to resume service in a space that will be comfortably heated and cooled,” Walcott said in a press release. “I am grateful to the public and our staff for their patience during construction, and I thank our elected officials for supporting the project and the NYC Department of Design and Construction for managing it.”

“Seaside Library is an important staple and gathering space for the Rockaway community and we’re very pleased to have delivered this project that completely renovated the building’s heating, cooling and ventilation system,” Del Valle said. “The renovation, which was completed on budget, will give Seaside Library goers a comfortable space while they read.”

“The Seaside Library has always been a cornerstone of the community, and its reopening is something that Rockaway residents have been looking forward to for a long time,” Councilwoman Ariola said. “Thank you to everyone for your patience during this long process, and I can’t wait to see all of the amazing programming the library has in store for the neighborhood.”

Among the attendees was The Rockaway Times’ own Dan Guarino, who wanted to celebrate the occasion. “There was a whole load of people and staff clapping when the doors opened. People were very happy to have the library back,” Guarino said.

Following speeches, the opening celebration included a day of events. Councilwoman Ariola read stories to interested toddlers, there were arts and crafts, a film screening, an adult and teen activity hour with board games and puzzles and even an open mic and karaoke session at night.

Community Board 14’s chairwoman Dolores Orr and District Manager Felicia Johnson also came out for the celebration. “Community Board 14 is pleased to announce the long-awaited reopening of the Seaside Library following a two-year closure to install a modern, energy efficient HVAC system. This critical upgrade ensures that the branch can continue to serve residents in a safe, comfortable, and climate-controlled environment year-round,” Johnson said. “Throughout the closure, the community has shown tremendous patience and support. Residents have been eagerly anticipating the return of this essential neighborhood resource, and their enthusiasm reflects just how vital the Seaside Library is to the fabric of our community. Community Board 14 extends its sincere appreciation to Queens Public Library for overseeing the project with great care and for ensuring that all work was completed safely and responsibly. With the upgrades now complete, we are excited to welcome residents back and look forward to seeing the Seaside Library once again thrive as a hub for learning, connection, and community life.”

The one-story, 7,500-foot-square building has served the community since 1979. The upgraded HVAC system eliminates the central boiler and uses rooftop units with electric cooling and gas-fired heating, improving overall energy efficiency. The HVAC work, managed by DDC for QPL, also includes new ductwork, controls, acoustical screening and a fire alarm system. DDC worked with K.O. Technologies, Inc. and Cosentini Associates on the project.

Seaside Library is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays, 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays. For info, call 718-634-1876.

Photos by Dan Guarino and Matthew Lapiska/DDC.