JAMAICA, NY — September 29, 2025 — Queens Public Library (QPL) and the NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC) have officially broken ground on a $17.6 million renovation and expansion of the Baisley Park Library, marking the first DDC capital project to advance under New York City’s new Community Hiring requirements.
The project, located at 117-11 Sutphin Boulevard, is expected to be completed by fall 2028. Local leaders, agency officials and elected representatives gathered to launch the initiative, which will modernize the 1960s-era facility, expand public space, introduce sustainability features, and provide new public art through the City’s Percent for Art program.
A Community Landmark Reinvented
“Baisley Park Library has long been a cornerstone of this neighborhood, and this renovation will ensure it continues to meet the evolving needs of the community,” said Dennis M. Walcott, President and CEO of Queens Public Library. He credited the funding secured by elected officials and added, “We are also thrilled that this project is among the City's first to advance under its new community hiring initiative, transforming the building while providing jobs to local residents.”
DDC Acting Commissioner Eduardo del Valle emphasized the project’s role in workforce development and accessibility. “This capital project will expand the library’s useful space while fully renovating the existing interior and providing better accessibility in compliance with the ADA,” he said. “It’s also DDC’s first capital project to proceed under the City Charter’s new community hiring goals.”
Design and Construction Highlights
The plans include a full interior renovation, improved ADA-compliant restrooms, and a complete reconfiguration of public areas. Dedicated zones will be created for children, teens and adults, each with computer workstations to support digital learning.
Key upgrades will include:
- A new entrance and vestibule on Foch Boulevard
- Enclosure of the existing circular courtyard to create a sunlit children’s reading area
- Expanded multipurpose room with AV technology
- New staff facilities, pantry and custodial room
- Updated electrical, plumbing and fire alarm systems
- Green roof elements and solar panels targeting LEED Silver standards
The design was developed by LevenBetts under DDC’s Design and Construction Excellence Program, which accelerates timelines and ensures top-quality work.
Public Art and Cultural Engagement
A centerpiece of the project will be “WHO KNOWS TOMORROW”, an original Percent for Art installation by Ghanaian artist Serge Attukwei Clottey. The work uses woven yellow “Kufuor gallon” containers and copper wire, an extension of his signature “Afrogallonism” approach that explores material reuse and cultural identity.
Mockups of the installation were developed with local residents during an August 14 community art workshop with the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs.
Leaders Applaud the Investment
The groundbreaking drew remarks from multiple city leaders:
- Deputy Mayor Adolfo Carrión called libraries “portals to the world” and said the project reflects the administration’s commitment to design excellence, sustainability, and hiring equity.
- NYC Council Speaker Adrienne Adams said, “This is the type of transformative project our community has always deserved.”
- Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. highlighted the reversal of historic underinvestment in Southeast Queens, saying, “Our neighbors deserve high-quality community spaces to learn and grow.”
- Doug Lipari, Executive Director of the NYC Office of Talent and Workforce Development, noted that the project is “the first City capital construction project to leverage the power of Community Hiring Goals.”
- Sergio Pardo-Lopez, Director of the Percent for Art program, praised Clottey’s work as “a vibrant, visually arresting installation that explores our relationship to mundane materials.”
Temporary Services and Nearby Locations
While the library is closed for construction, QPL will provide Mobile Library services at the site on Mondays from 10 AM to 5 PM. Nearby branches include:
- Central Library (89-11 Merrick Boulevard)
- South Jamaica (108-41 Guy Brewer Boulevard)
- South Ozone Park (128-16 Rockaway Boulevard)
Originally reported by New York Department of Design and Construction.
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