Queens Borough President Melinda Katz announced this week that upgrades are being planned to the South Hollis Library, according to Times Ledger.
Katz made the announcement during an event held at the library, where she was joined by Councilman I. Daneek Miller (D-St. Albans), Queens Library President Dennis Walcott, and members of Community Board 12. The event also included a choreographed performance by STACKS, a Queens Library program created for students from ages 6-14.
Renovations at the library, located at 204-01 Hollis Ave., will include new areas for children, teens, and adults, as well as additional computers for patrons, a program room, new décor and new programs that will enable people to check in and check out books on their own.
“These are substantial investments for the long-awaited renovations at the local library, and for the children, seniors and families of South Hollis,” Katz said during the ceremony. “The public funds will allow for capital upgrades that will transform the interior into a state-of-the-art community hub of learning, literacy and culture.”
Dennis Walcott, the new CEO of the Queens Library appointed earlier this year, said that he had a “personal interest” in the South Hollis Library as he attended school in the building that currently houses PS 134 just across the street.
“Thanks to this investment, the kids that go to school in this community will get the most high quality services as a result of your support and our electeds’ support,” Walcott said to members of the Friends of South Hollis Library.
Mardochee Estimable, president of Friends of South Hollis said, echoed those sentiments, saying, “Queens Library at South Hollis is a second home to many and the most important place in our community. Children, teens, adults come every day. It’s a safe place for kids to go after school, and to spend time doing their homework, reading and making friends. Our future seems much brighter with this news.”
The renovations are scheduled to cost $8.25 million, with $3 million allocated by the borough president in the current fiscal year and the remaining $5.25 million to be covered in fiscal year 2018. Construction is expected to begin in 2019, with completion date scheduled for 2022.
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