Jackson Heights Library
🏢 Queens Public Library · Jackson Heights, New York
Jackson Heights Library
A 1954 International-Style landmark in the heart of Queens' most linguistically diverse neighborhood, the Jackson Heights Library anchors its community with an on-site Adult Learning Center offering free ESOL, citizenship prep, and Pre-HSE classes — and stays open until 8 p.m. on Thursdays at 35-51 81st Street.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 1pm–6pm |
| Wednesday | 10am–6pm |
| Thursday | 12pm–8pm |
| Friday | 10am–6pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 35-51 81 Street, Jackson Heights, NY 11372
Phone: (718) 899-2500
Website: queenslibrary.org
Plus Code: 87G8Q427+4X (Jackson Heights, NY)
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📖 About Jackson Heights Library
The Jackson Heights Library is a branch of Queens Public Library serving one of the most culturally diverse zip codes in the United States. Library service in Jackson Heights began as a traveling station in April 1917, as the neighborhood's planned garden community was taking shape; temporary storefront branches followed in the 1920s and 1930s. The permanent branch at 35-51 81st Street opened on October 26, 1954 — only the second Queens branch completed after World War II. Designed by architect Simeon Heller in a restrained International Style, the limestone-faced building with aluminum trim won a Bronze Plaque for Public Buildings in its opening year and is now a contributing resource in the Jackson Heights Historic District, listed on both the New York City Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places. Today, the branch is home to a full Adult Learning Center that reflects the neighborhood's post-1965 immigrant waves: free ESOL classes, citizenship preparation, Pre-HSE (high school equivalency) instruction, adult basic education, and foundational technology training are available in English, Spanish, and Chinese.
⭐ What makes this library special
- On-site Adult Learning Center with free ESOL, citizenship prep, Pre-HSE, adult basic education and technology classes — enrollment available in English, Spanish and Chinese
- 1954 International-Style building by architect Simeon Heller — a contributing resource in the Jackson Heights Historic District (NYC Landmark & National Register of Historic Places)
- Extended Wi-Fi hotspot reaching up to 450 feet from the building, accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week
- 24/7 materials drop-off and remote printing available to cardholders
- Part of Queens Public Library, with access to the full QPL digital collection including eBooks, audiobooks, research databases, language learning and more
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Jackson Heights cardholders can borrow, stream and research free through Queens Public Library's shared collections and New York State resources:
📚 Services
- Adult Learning Center: free ESOL, citizenship preparation, Pre-HSE, ABE, and technology training
- 24/7 outdoor materials drop-off
- Remote printing for cardholders
- Free public computers and in-branch Wi-Fi
- Extended Wi-Fi hotspot (450-foot radius, accessible 24/7)
- Wheelchair-accessible building and facilities
- Research databases including genealogy (Ancestry, in-library), business, health and academic resources
🎸 Programs
- ESOL classes for adult learners (multiple levels)
- Citizenship preparation and naturalization readiness
- Pre-HSE (High School Equivalency) exam preparation
- Adult Basic Education (ABE) and National External Diploma Program (NEDP)
- Technology training and computer help sessions
- Book discussion groups and science fiction book club
- Teen programs and cultural events
- Chair yoga and community crafting workshops
- Hispanic Heritage Month and multicultural programming
📍 Nearby Libraries in Queens
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
All libraries in Jackson Heights · Browse all New York libraries →
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Adult Learning Center at Jackson Heights Library, and who can enroll?
The Jackson Heights Adult Learning Center is one of Queens Public Library's dedicated sites for free adult education. It offers ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes at multiple levels, citizenship preparation, Pre-HSE (high school equivalency) exam readiness, Adult Basic Education (ABE), the National External Diploma Program (NEDP), and foundational technology training. All programs are free for Queens Library cardholders. Enrollment information is available in English, Spanish and Chinese — contact the center at (718) 899-2500 or visit the QPL Adult Learning Centers page for current schedules.
Why is the Jackson Heights Library building considered a landmark?
The branch opened October 26, 1954, making it only the second Queens Library branch completed after World War II. Architect Simeon Heller designed the limestone-faced, aluminum-trimmed structure in a restrained International Style that earned a Bronze Plaque for Public Buildings in its opening year. The building is a contributing resource in the Jackson Heights Historic District — a neighborhood-scale landmark recognized by both the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission and the National Register of Historic Places. Any exterior rehabilitation work on the library is subject to LPC review.
What are the Jackson Heights Library's hours, and is it open on weekends?
The branch is open Tuesday 1–6 pm, Wednesday 10 am–6 pm, Thursday 12–8 pm, and Friday 10 am–6 pm. It is closed Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Thursday's extended evening hours until 8 pm are the latest the branch stays open. Even when the building is closed, the outdoor Wi-Fi hotspot (extending up to 450 feet from the building) and the 24/7 materials drop-box remain available.
Can I access the Internet or print documents outside library hours in Jackson Heights?
Yes. Queens Public Library has extended the branch's Wi-Fi signal to a 450-foot radius around the building, accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week — so you can connect to the internet from the sidewalk even when the library is closed. Cardholders can also use the remote printing service and the 24/7 outdoor materials drop-off box for returning items at any time.
📜 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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