Queensborough Public Library: A Photographic History of the 1930s

The Queensborough Public Library (QPL) was established in 1907 as the Bayside Library, one of the first branches of the Queens Borough Public Library system, which was created through a merger of several smaller libraries in the area. The library was first housed in a small storefront on Bell Boulevard, but quickly outgrew this location and moved to a larger space on 41st Avenue.

In the 1920s and 1930s, the library experienced significant growth and expansion, with several new branches opening in the area to serve the growing population of Queens. During this time, the library also began to offer a wider range of services and resources, including books, magazines, newspapers, and access to educational resources.

However, during the Great Depression, the library faced funding issues and budget cuts, which affected the services and resources that it could provide. Despite these challenges, the library continued to serve the community and provide access to information and education.

In the 1950s and 1960s, the library continued to expand and modernize, with several new branches opening and the main library undergoing renovations to improve the facilities and services. During this time, the library also began to adapt to new technologies, such as audio and visual materials and computer access.

In the 1970s and 1980s, the library continued to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of the community. The library began to expand its services and resources to include more multicultural and multilingual materials, as well as programs and services for immigrants and non-English speakers.

In recent years, the QPL has continued to evolve, adapting to the changing needs of the community and utilizing new technologies to provide access to information and resources. Today, the library offers a wide range of services and resources, including books, e-books, magazines, newspapers, audiobooks, and music CDs, as well as access to online databases, research tools, and educational resources. It also offers a variety of programs and events, such as classes, workshops, book clubs, and cultural events for people of all ages. The library has been recognized for its services and resources, receiving numerous awards, including the National Medal for Museum and Library Service in 2017.

#1 Readers at book shelves in the book bus. Queens Borough Public Library

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#2 Queensboro Public Library , Jamaica, 1930s

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#3 Queensboro Public Library, Jamaica

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#4 Franklin Delano Roosevelt standing with a group. Queens Borough Public Library

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#5 Queensboro Central Library. Main reading room.

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#6 Main reading room, vertical.

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#7 Unemployed readers in periodical room.

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#8 Children’s library small room, murals.

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#9 Children’s library, small room, murals.

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#10 Queensboro Central Library, Jamaica, Queens. Murals in small library (children’s).

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#11 Vertical of fireplace in Board of Director’s Room.

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#12 Queensboro Central Library Corridor.

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#13 Queensboro Central Library Staff room.

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#14 Branch Administration Room.

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#15 General office.

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#16 Asst. Director’s Room.

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#17 Board of Director’s Room.

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#18 Queensboro Central Library.

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#19 Director’s room.

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#20 Rear of building with book bus.

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#21 General view from right.

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#22 Queensboro Central Library. Extension division.

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#23 Reference stack room.

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#24 Reference work room.

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#25 Reference reading room, from above.

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#26 Reference reading room, to south.

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#27 Reference reading room.

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#28 Periodical room.

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#29 Second floor hall.

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#30 Detail of return desk, second floor.

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#31 From entrance to rear.

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#32 Children’s reading room 2.

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#33 Children’s reading room 1.

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#34 Stair hall thru arch.

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#35 Main stair hall.

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#36 Thru arch to south entrance.

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#37 School division.

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#38 Central Library Building. Schools division.

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#39 Teachers reference room 2.

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#40 Teachers reference room 1.

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#41 Sharp view on terrace.

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#42 Center and south end from right.

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#43 Entrance detail, closeup 1.

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#44 Vertical entrance detail from left.

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#45 General view from left.

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#46 Queensboro Public Library , Jamaica

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#47 Queensboro Public Library , Jamaica

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