Central Library (Jamaica)
🏢 Queens Public Library · Jamaica, New York
Central Library (Jamaica)
The flagship of Queens Public Library's 62-branch system, the Central Library in Jamaica holds 1.4 million items under one roof — alongside the Carter G. Woodson Reference Collection, a nationally recognized African American history archive, and a Children's Library Discovery Center with Exploratorium-designed exhibits that opened in 2011.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 10am–8pm |
| Wednesday | 10am–8pm |
| Thursday | 10am–8pm |
| Friday | 10am–6pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 89-11 Merrick Boulevard, queens, NY 11432
Phone: (718) 990-0700
Website: queenslibrary.org
Plus Code: 87G8P654+54 (queens, NY)
📱 Scan for directions
Point your phone camera at the code to open turn-by-turn directions in Google Maps.
👋 Use the Library Online
📖 About Central Library (Jamaica)
The Central Library at 89-11 Merrick Boulevard in Jamaica has served as the headquarters of Queens Public Library since 1966, when a new $5.7-million facility replaced a Renaissance Revival building on Parsons Boulevard that dated to 1930. The current structure was notable from the outset as the first major urban library branch to place all public services on a single floor, a design philosophy that maximized accessibility for the diverse Queens community. A major renovation and expansion followed in 1989, and in 2011 a two-story, 22,000-square-foot Children's Library Discovery Center — designed by 1100 Architect and funded in part by a $1.8-million National Science Foundation grant — opened as an addition, earning a 2012 MASterworks Award from the Municipal Art Society. Today the Central Library anchors Queens Public Library's network of 62 locations serving a borough of 2.3 million people who collectively speak over 160 languages.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Children's Library Discovery Center (2011): a 22,000 sq ft, two-story addition with Exploratorium-designed hands-on stations covering weather, music and nanotechnology for ages 3–12
- Carter G. Woodson Reference Collection: a specialized African American history and culture resource accessible at the Central Library
- Archives at Queens Public Library (founded 1912): historical photographs, manuscripts, maps and genealogical materials covering Queens, Brooklyn and Long Island
- Special Collection of Music Scores, one of the most extensive in the New York metro area's public library system
- Adult Learning Center and Teen Center with technology labs — both housed within the main building at Merrick Boulevard
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Queens cardholders can read, listen, stream and research free with the library's digital collections:
📚 Services
- Children's Library Discovery Center with Exploratorium-designed discovery stations (ages 3–12)
- Adult Learning Center with workforce and literacy programs
- Teen Center with technology labs, gaming and creative workshops
- Archives at Queens Public Library: genealogy research, historical photographs, maps and manuscripts
- Carter G. Woodson Reference Collection (African American history and culture)
- Special Collection of Music Scores
- Remote printing via queenslib.org/qplprint
- Free public computers and Wi-Fi
- 24/7 materials drop-off outside regular hours
🎸 Programs
- Children's storytimes and discovery programs
- Teen STEM and creative workshops (Cricut, tech labs)
- Classic Film Friday screenings for adults
- College readiness and workforce development workshops
- America 250 cultural history series
- Board Game Night and gaming events
- Computer skills classes (iPhone Essentials and more)
- Year-round multilingual programs across all ages
📍 Nearby Libraries in Queens
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Children's Library Discovery Center, and who can use it?
The Children's Library Discovery Center (CLDC) is a 22,000-square-foot, two-story addition that opened next to the Central Library in 2011. Designed by 1100 Architect with discovery stations created by specialists from San Francisco's Exploratorium, it serves children ages 3–12 with hands-on exhibits covering weather, music, nanotechnology and more. It was funded in part by a $1.8-million National Science Foundation grant and won a 2012 Municipal Art Society MASterworks Award for Best Neighborhood Catalyst.
What is the Carter G. Woodson Reference Collection at the Central Library?
The Carter G. Woodson Reference Collection is a specialized reference resource dedicated to African American history and culture, named for the historian and educator who founded Black History Month. It is housed at the Central Library and is available for in-library use as a research collection.
What does the Archives at Queens Public Library hold?
The Archives at Queens Public Library — one of the oldest library archives in New York, established in 1912 — holds historical photographs, books, manuscripts, maps and genealogical materials documenting the history of Queens, Brooklyn and Long Island. Researchers can access the collection for local history and family genealogy projects.
Why is the Central Library closed on Mondays and Saturdays?
As of 2026, the Central Library's weekly schedule runs Tuesday through Friday (closed Monday, Saturday and Sunday). The library is open Tuesday–Thursday 10am–8pm and Friday 10am–6pm. A 24/7 materials drop-off box is available outside the entrance for returns at any time. Hours are set by Queens Public Library system-wide staffing schedules and may be updated — always confirm on queenslibrary.org before visiting.
📜 This library has genealogy & local-history resources. See how library family-history research works and find other libraries with genealogy collections genealogy libraries by state.
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