Arverne Library to Undergo $17.3M Expansion
On Friday, December 20, Queens Public Library (QPL) President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott and Commissioner Thomas Foley of the New York City Department of Design and Construction (DDC) joined library staff and local elected officials to break ground on a $17.3 million project that will expand and modernize QPL’s Arverne Library at 312 Beach 54 Street in Arverne. The project, which is expected to be completed in spring 2027, is being managed by DDC for QPL.
“The new annex underscores our commitment to creating welcoming, inspiring spaces that are resilient and environmentally sustainable,” said Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott. “At nearly twice the size of the existing branch — which attracted 60,000 visitors this past year – the building will enable us to serve even more people as the neighborhood grows in the coming years. We are extremely grateful to Mayor Eric Adams, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers, and the NYS Education Department for securing the capital funds needed to cover the cost of the new structure, and to the NYC Department of Design and Construction for managing its construction.”
“DDC and the Adams Administration were successful this year in bringing sweeping construction reform to New York City libraries. In the future, DDC will be able to use the Construction Manager-Build method of contracting at all three of the city’s library systems including all 62 branches of QPL,” said DDC Commissioner Thomas Foley.
The expansion of Arverne Library will site a new one-story 4,600-square-foot addition in a vacant yard next to the existing 5,400-square-foot library. The new annex will feature a large multi-purpose meeting room, a community room, ADA-compliant bathrooms and spaces for library staff and necessary utilities. To increase its environmental sustainability, the new annex will include solar panels and several skylights that enhance the use of natural lighting.
Arverne Library sustained heavy water damage from Superstorm Sandy in 2012, prompting its closure and a two-year gut renovation. To increase resiliency and protection from future storms and flooding, the expansion will be elevated and will contain flood vents. The sidewalk around the library will also be regraded and new pavers will be installed.
The design was completed by the firm Rice+Lipka Architects, based in Manhattan. The world-renowned firm has designed several projects as part of DDC’s Design and Construction Excellence Program, which pre-qualifies design firms pre-qualifies firms to design public buildings projects, reducing the time required to procure design services while ensuring the highest levels of quality and professionalism in construction projects managed by the agency. Other projects designed by Rice+Lipka under the program include the renovation of the Nuyorican Poets Café, the new NYPD Bomb Squad Operations Building in the Bronx and Hamilton Fish Library on the Lower East Side.
The project also features a Percent For Art component, by the artist Justin Valdez. Valdez’s work is called “The Feeling is Mutual” and will include playful drawings and murals throughout the library inspired by his extensive experience of life and people in the Rockaways. It features illustrations turned into “distraction graphics” which will be installed on glass doors and dividers throughout the building, as well as drawings and installations that fill all of the library’s bathrooms with dozens of engaging artworks, all deeply rooted in and inspired by the Rockaways.
“Few communities in New York City are growing faster and being invested in more than Arverne. But behind every strong neighborhood is a strong library, and that’s exactly what we’re delivering with the Arverne branch’s brand new, 4,600-square-foot addition,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “I’m proud to have allocated nearly $3.4 million toward this critically important project in support of Arverne families, who will soon have an expanded, state-of-the-art library to call their own.”
“As a proud supporter of educational and community resources, I am thrilled to see the expansion and modernization of the Arverne Library taking shape,” State Senator James Sanders Jr. said. “Libraries are more than just buildings; they are gateways to knowledge, opportunity, and community growth. This project is an investment in the future of the Rockaways, ensuring our residents have access to a state-of-the-art facility that will serve generations to come.”
“Assembly District 31 continues to secure critical investment as Arverne Library is next to be expanded!,” Assembly Member Khaleel Anderson said. “Our Libraries are the core of our community as they function as a cooling center, a safe space for our youth, a bridge addressing the digital divide, and a learning and technological hub. The Arverne Branch was my childhood library, and I am excited to see what it will be like after the recent successful reopening of the Far Rockaway Branch.”
“Libraries are the heart of our communities—spaces for education, connection, and growth—and this new addition will strengthen those opportunities for Arverne residents,” New York City Council Majority Whip Selvena N. Brooks-Powers said. “I am proud to support this project, which reflects the City’s commitment to enhancing public spaces and meeting the evolving needs of our neighborhoods. I commend Queens Public Library, President Dennis Walcott, and all partners involved for their dedication to this important initiative.”
“We are very excited to be adding another updated library to the Peninsula arsenal for all our constituents to use, to be able to provide yet another opportunity to the community, to have a way to expand their knowledge base, or just have a place to come to relax, listen to music, leisurely read a newspaper or socialize, quietly with their peers,” Community Board 14 District Manager Felicia Johnson said. “We are excited for this new expansion and addition to the community. It has been a long time coming. Thank you to the Borough President and the QPL System.”
Arverne Library offers books, movies, music, free Wi-Fi, computer workstations, and a variety of programs for all ages. This past year, the branch attracted 60,000 visitors and circulated nearly 100,000 items. The library will remain open during the construction period.
