For its first 34 years, Queen Public Library faced the challenge of meeting the educational needs of a population that exploded from about 150,000 in 1896 to 1.1 million in the 1920s. By then, this vital institution was operating 18 branches and two dozen satellites that served schools, hospitals and more across 109 square miles without a main headquarters.

The days of decentralization finally ended April 1, 1930 with the opening of a large, modern library at 89-14 Parsons Boulevard in the heart of bustling downtown Jamaica. Some 7,000 children and adults poured through the doors of the new Central Library that day to absorb the vast collection of fiction, non-fiction and reference books and newspapers and magazines.

For more than any time in its 90-year history, the Central Library serves the surrounding neighborhood. With collections and programming dedicated to the community and newest immigrant groups, customers not only have the advantage of resources of a Central Library but more importantly a library that reflects their neighborhood.

Today, the Central Library for Queens Public Library welcomes over 1.5 million people and transforms lives on each visit.

The Queens Public Library and its Central Library embraces our responsibility and looks forward to the continuing this high quality service though the rest of the 21st century.