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Ribbon Cutting: Glen Oaks Library

September 3, 2013

Glen Oaks welcomed a new library with a packed ribbon cutting ceremony attended by elected officials and community members. Commissioner Burney, Deputy Commissioner Resnick, and the DDC project team were also on hand for the celebration. The new 18,000 square foot structure offers twice the space of the original Glen Oaks library and is expected to serve 250,000 patrons each year.
Computer workstations, reading material and spacious seating fill each level in the three-story structure, with specific areas for teens and children on the main and upper floors. Located in the basement level, the general reading receives a flood of natural light through skylights embedded within the street-level sidewalk.

Seeking a LEED Silver rating for the library, architects Marble Fairbanks also incorporated sustainable elements such as a planted roof and landscaping that minimizes stormwater runoff. “It was our hope to provide a building that would engage those passing by and encourage them to come inside and explore their library,” said architects Scott Marble and Karen Fairbanks. “We have been thrilled to see the heavy usage of the building from the day it opened.”

Etched into the glass curtain wall that surrounds the library is the word “search” translated into each of the languages spoken in Glen Oaks. On the third floor, an installation in the children’s room, is the work of artist Janet Zweig through the Percent for Art Program.

“The Queens Library system wanted tomorrow’s library today. That was our mission,” adds Commissioner Burney. “This truly is the library of tomorrow and I hope the community enjoys it for many decades to come.”