Addabbo and Queens Public Library celebrate one-year anniversary of Glendale temporary branch in Atlas Park

In May, the community celebrated the one-year anniversary of the Queens Public Library Glendale Branch’s temporary location at Atlas Park.

In 2018, as the Glendale Branch on Myrtle Avenue was preparing to undergo much-needed renovations, State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr.’s office played an integral part in bringing Queens Library into Atlas Park.

“With the Glendale Branch about to be shut down for renovations, I didn’t want to leave the people of Glendale without the full services of a library for an extended period of time. Although the mobile library branch was planned to be stationed in Glendale while the branch was closed, I didn’t believe it would appropriately service Glendale,” Addabbo said. “I am so glad to see that the temporary space is being utilized by the public and I would like to thank Queens Public Library, Atlas Park, and everyone involved in making this happen.”

According to Queens Public Library, between May 2018 an April 2019 the temporary location saw 69,411 people use the facility, and the space held 314 programs — including several story time programs outside on Atlas Park’s lawn — which were attended by 2,186 children. On top of that, the location has been signing up many new customers, especially on Saturdays.

“Since opening its doors a little over a year ago, our temporary Glendale space has thrived, becoming an indispensable resource for local residents and a popular destination among shoppers visiting the mall,” said Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott. “We are grateful to State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo and Atlas Park for making it possible for Queens Public Library to continue serving the community while the Glendale branch is undergoing renovations.”

“The Shops at Atlas Park focuses on family-friendly opportunities which has made it a perfect temporary location for Queens Borough Public Library during renovations,” said Peter DeLucia, Property Manager of The Shops at Atlas Park. “They have been wonderful partners and we hope our relationship will continue after they go back to their former location on Myrtle Avenue.”