Queens Central Library Children’s Library Discovery Center
This two-story addition to the Queens Central Library houses the children’s collection and new, interactive science exhibits. A glass façade opens the building to the street, positioning it as a vibrant social and cultural hub within the neighborhood. Inside, flexible zones for reading, media, and collaboration unfold across an open plan. Radiant heated floors, daylighting, and high-performance glazing contribute to the project’s LEED Gold-certified design.
Awards: The New York Library Association Public Libraries Section Building Award – Population Serving Over 20,000, 2013
The Municipal Art Society of New York, MASterworks Award: Best Neighborhood Catalyst, 2012
ALA/IIDA Library Interior Design Awards – Best of Competition Winner, 2014
ALA/IIDA Library Interior Design Awards – Best Public Library 30,000 SQ.FT & Smaller, 2014
SARA NY 2015 Design Awards – Silver Award of Honor, 2015
Publications: We Build The City. Michael R. Bloomberg, Foreword. New York: Oro Editions, 2014.
Dunlap, David W. “Queens Central Library Opens Wider.” The New York Times, March 18, 2013.
“Children’s Library Discovery Center.” bob: International Magazine of Space Design, October 2012.
Kristal, Marc. “Happy Discovery.” Metropolis, April 2012.
Barclay, Donald A. and Eric D. Scott. “Directions to Library Wayfinding.” American Libraries, March / April 2012.
“Chamber to Honor Building Awards Winners at Reception.” Queensborough, January 2012.
Kimmelman, Michael. “New York’s Public Architecture Gets a Face-Lift.” The New York Times, October 11, 2011.
Magill, Lee. “Ten Best Libraries.” Time Out New York Kids, August 2011.
Hill, John. Guide to Contemporary New York City Architecture. New York: W. W. Norton & Company, 2011.
Typology: Planning, Education, Civic/Cultural
Services: New Buildings, Programming, Feasibility, Masterplanning, Sustainability
Status: Completed
Size: 22000 SF
Location: Jamaica, NY
Design Team: Principal-in-Charge: Juergen Riehm, FAIA, BDA
Principal: David Piscuskas, FAIA, LEED AP
LEED Gold Certified
Photography: © MICHAEL MORAN
Publications: We Build The City. Michael R. Bloomberg, Foreword. New York: Oro Editions, 2014.
Dunlap, David W. “Queens Central Library Opens Wider.” The New York Times, March 18, 2013.
“Children’s Library Discovery Center.” bob: International Magazine of Space Design, October 2012.
Kristal, Marc. “Happy Discovery.” Metropolis, April 2012.
Barclay, Donald A. and Eric D. Scott. “Directions to Library Wayfinding.” American Libraries, March / April 2012.
“Chamber to Honor Building Awards Winners at Reception.” Queensborough, January 2012.
Kimmelman, Michael. “New York’s Public Architecture Gets a Face-Lift.” The New York Times, October 11, 2011.
Magill, Lee. “Ten Best Libraries.” Time Out New York Kids, August 2011.
Hill, John. Guide to Contemporary New York City Architecture. New York: W. W. Norton & Company, 2011.
