Queens Borough Public Library
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The Queens Borough Public Library, or QPL is the public library for the Borough of Queens and one of three library systems serving New York City. Dating back to the foundation of the first Queens library in Flushing in 1858, QPL has become one of the largest public library systems in the United States, comprising some 63 branches throughout the borough. Since 1994, it has circulated more material than any other library in the nation, and is the second largest library in the country in terms of the size of its collections. QPL serves Queens' population of more than 2.2 million, including one of the largest immigrant populations in the country. Consequently, a large percentage of QPL's collections are in non-English languages, particularly Spanish. QPL is separate from the New York Public Library.
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History
The first library in Queens was founded in 1858 in Flushing as a subscription service. It became a free circulation library in 1869.
In the late 19th century, several local libraries were founded in western Queens. The libraries in Astoria, Long Island City and Steinway formed the Long Island City Public Library in 1896, becoming Queens' first multi-branch library.
In 1901, shortly after the consolidation of Queens into New York City, the city government proposed a new charter joining all libraries in Queens into the Queens Borough Public Library. All of the public libraries signed on, except for Flushing, which remained independent until 1903.
Due to the wide variation in population density in Queens, in 1906, the QPL established small branches in store-fronts and shopping areas under the Traveling Library program. These branches were such a success, QPL grew swiftly, eventually opening major branches in almost every Queens neighborhood.
Administration
The QPL is governed by a 19-member Board of Trustees, which are appointed by the Mayor of New York City and the Borough President of Queens. The mayor, borough president, the Comptroller of New York City and the Public Advocate of New York City sit on the board as ex officio members. The library is funded by the City, state and federal grants, and through private philanthropy.
See also
External links
- Queens Borough Public Library (http://www.queenslibrary.org/)
- Queens Library history (http://www.queenslibrary.org/About/history.asp)