Queens Public Library Hours & Opening Times 2025
Quick Facts
- 10,000+ libraries in our database across 50+ countries
- Updated monthly with verified opening hours
- 98% accuracy rate based on user feedback
📚 America's Most Diverse Library System: Queens Public Library (QPL) serves America's most ethnically diverse county with 65 branch libraries across Queens, New York. With collections in over 60 languages - including Chinese, Spanish, Korean, Hindi, Bengali, Russian, and Urdu - QPL serves 2.4+ million residents from Astoria to Far Rockaway, Flushing to Jamaica. As one of the three independent library systems in NYC (separate from NYPL and Brooklyn), Queens Public Library offers 7+ million items, extensive multilingual programs, and free WiFi at all locations. Whether you're studying in Flushing's Chinatown, researching in Jamaica's Central Library, or browsing in Bayside, Queens welcomes you in your native language 7 days a week.
📖 Queens Central Library - Jamaica
Queens Central Library serves as the flagship and headquarters of Queens Public Library in Jamaica, Queens. This 4-floor modern library building houses the system's largest collection with extensive multilingual materials in over 60 languages, serving Queens' incredibly diverse population. The Central Library features dedicated areas for Chinese, Korean, Spanish, and South Asian collections, plus a specialized New Americans Program serving immigrants and refugees.
🕐 Queens Central Library Opening Hours
| Monday - Thursday | 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM |
| Friday - Saturday | 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
📍 Location & Getting There
Address: 89-11 Merrick Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11432
Subway: E, J, Z trains to Jamaica Center-Parsons/Archer station. Exit at Archer Avenue, walk north 2 blocks on Merrick Boulevard (5 minutes).
LIRR: Long Island Rail Road to Jamaica Station, walk 10 minutes to library.
Bus Routes: Q6, Q8, Q9, Q20, Q24, Q25, Q30, Q31, Q34, Q40, Q41, Q43, Q44, Q54, Q56, Q65, Q85, Q110, Q111, Q112, Q113
Parking: FREE parking lot on site - major advantage over Manhattan libraries!
✨ Special Features
- Multilingual Collections: Materials in 60+ languages including Chinese, Spanish, Korean, Hindi, Bengali, Urdu, Russian, Arabic, Polish, Greek
- New Americans Program: ESL classes, citizenship preparation, immigrant resources
- Technology: 200+ public computers, free WiFi, printing/scanning, assistive technology
- 4-Floor Building: Extensive collections, quiet study areas, group study rooms
- Free Parking: Large parking lot (rare for NYC!)
- Job Search Center: Resume help, interview prep, career counseling
- Cultural Programs: Author talks, language classes, cultural celebrations
- Children's Room: Extensive children's collection, story times in multiple languages
Phone: (718) 990-0700 | Website: queenslibrary.org
🏘️ Popular Queens Branch Libraries
🏮 Flushing Branch
Location: 41-17 Main Street, Flushing, NY 11355
Hours: Mon-Thu 10am-9pm, Fri-Sat 10am-5:30pm, Sun 1pm-5pm
Features: Heart of Flushing Chinatown, extensive Chinese/Korean collections, multilingual staff, serves heavily Asian community, near Flushing Main Street shops
Subway: 7 train to Flushing-Main Street (last stop)
🌳 Bayside Branch
Location: 214-20 Northern Boulevard, Bayside, NY 11361
Hours: Mon-Thu 10am-9pm, Fri-Sat 10am-5:30pm, Sun 1pm-5pm
Features: Residential neighborhood, family-friendly, strong children's programs, free parking lot, quiet study areas, popular with students
Bus: Q12, Q13, Q28 buses
🏡 Forest Hills Branch
Location: 108-19 71st Avenue, Forest Hills, NY 11375
Hours: Mon-Thu 10am-9pm, Fri-Sat 10am-5:30pm, Sun 1pm-5pm
Features: Upscale neighborhood, excellent adult collection, free parking, near Austin Street shopping, Russian and Spanish materials
Subway: E, F, M, R trains to Forest Hills-71st Avenue
🌍 Queens Library Insider Tips
Discover hidden gems from America's most diverse library system. Our Queens library experts share insider knowledge for navigating 65 branches across 60+ languages in the world's most ethnically diverse county.
🚇 Best Subway Access to Major Branches
Central Library: E,J,Z to Jamaica Center (5-min walk). Flushing Branch: 7 train to last stop (2-min walk). Forest Hills: E,F,M,R to 71st Ave. Astoria: N,W trains. Unlike Manhattan, Queens libraries often have FREE parking—a huge NYC advantage!
🌏 60+ Languages: Multilingual Paradise
Flushing Branch: Best for Chinese/Korean with thousands of books and DVDs. Jackson Heights: Spanish/South Asian materials. Corona: Spanish/Italian. Elmhurst: Chinese/Spanish. Multilingual staff at most branches. FREE ESL classes at Central Library for immigrants and new Americans.
🅿️ FREE Parking: Queens Advantage
Queens Central Library has a FREE parking lot—rare in NYC! Also free parking at: Bayside, Forest Hills, Glendale, and Middle Village branches. Street parking widely available in residential neighborhoods. Major advantage over Manhattan/Brooklyn.
🎭 FREE Museum Passes to Borrow
QPL cardholders can borrow FREE passes to MoMA, Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum, Queens Museum, NY Hall of Science, and Wave Hill. Reserve online up to 60 days ahead. Each pass saves $50+ for families—one of QPL's best-kept secrets!
🎓 FREE Homework Help & Tutoring
All 65 Queens libraries offer FREE homework help for K-12 students. Central Library has daily tutoring sessions. Adult literacy programs available in multiple languages. GED prep classes FREE with library card. Perfect for students and lifelong learners.
🎉 World-Class Cultural Programming
Queens libraries celebrate global cultures! Lunar New Year programs at Flushing, Diwali at Jackson Heights, Hispanic Heritage Month at Corona. Free author talks, concerts, film screenings year-round. Check queenslibrary.org/events—always something happening!
💳 Get Your Queens Library Card
Who Can Get a Card?
- Anyone who lives, works, or attends school in Queens County
- Children of any age (parent/guardian signature required)
- Temporary Queens residents (with Queens address proof)
- Cost: 100% FREE for Queens residents!
What to Bring
Proof of Identity: Driver's license, passport, state ID, or government-issued ID
Proof of Queens Address: Utility bill, bank statement, rental lease, or mail from last 3 months with Queens address
Note: Queens Public Library is separate from NYPL and Brooklyn Public Library. Need different cards for each system.
Your Card Unlocks
- Borrow unlimited books, DVDs, audiobooks from all 65 Queens branches
- Free eBooks and audiobooks (Libby, hoopla, OverDrive apps)
- Museum passes (MoMA, Intrepid, Queens Museum, Hall of Science, Wave Hill)
- LinkedIn Learning courses (normally $30/month)
- Mango Languages (60+ languages including Spanish, Chinese, Korean)
- NY Times, Consumer Reports digital access (in-library)
- Ancestry.com library edition, Transparent Language Online
- Free WiFi printing ($0.10/page), scanning, computer use
- Reserve study rooms, attend free programs and classes
Apply Online: queenslibrary.org/get-a-card - Pick up card at any Queens branch within 7 days.
📞 Contact Queens Public Library
📱 Main Contacts
General Info: (718) 990-0700
Central Library: (718) 990-0700
Email: info@queenslibrary.org
TDD: (718) 990-0809
🌐 Online Resources
Website: queenslibrary.org
Catalog: catalog.queenslibrary.org
Mobile App: "Queens Library" (iOS/Android)
Social: @queenslibrary
⏰ Hours Info
Central Library: Mon-Thu 10am-9pm, Fri-Sat 10am-5:30pm
Branch Hours: queenslibrary.org/locations
Holiday Closures: New Year's, Thanksgiving, Christmas
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my NYPL card at Queens libraries?
LIMITED use only. NYC has three separate library systems: NYPL, Brooklyn, and Queens. You CAN use Queens libraries for WiFi, computers, and browsing WITHOUT a card. However, borrowing books requires a Queens Public Library card. Some reciprocal borrowing agreements exist between systems, but it's easiest to get a Queens card if you live/work/study in Queens. Application is FREE.
Which Queens library has Chinese books?
Flushing Branch (41-17 Main Street) has the LARGEST Chinese collection - thousands of Chinese books, magazines, DVDs in Mandarin and Cantonese. Also excellent: Elmhurst Branch, Corona Branch. Central Library (Jamaica) also has extensive Chinese materials. All have Chinese-speaking staff. Flushing best for Chinese/Korean communities.
Are Queens libraries open on Sundays?
MOST Queens branch libraries are open Sundays 1pm-5pm (including Flushing, Bayside, Forest Hills, Astoria). However, Central Library (Jamaica flagship) is CLOSED Sundays. Best to check specific branch hours on queenslibrary.org before visiting Sunday. All branches closed major holidays.
Do I need an appointment to visit?
No appointments needed for general library use - all Queens libraries welcome walk-ins during open hours. Computers are first-come-first-served (though you can reserve online up to 3 days ahead). Appointments ARE required for: study room reservations (book online), one-on-one tech help sessions, resume review appointments, and citizenship prep classes.
Can immigrants use Queens libraries?
YES! Queens libraries WELCOME immigrants and offer special programs! New Americans Program provides: FREE ESL classes, citizenship preparation, immigration resource referrals. No immigration status questions asked. Materials in 60+ languages. Multilingual staff at most branches. Anyone can use libraries for WiFi, computers, studying - no library card or ID required. Queens is America's most diverse county - libraries reflect that!
Which Queens library is best for students?
Central Library (Jamaica): Largest collection, quietest study areas, most computers (200+), 4 floors, open latest (9pm Mon-Thu). Forest Hills Branch: Quiet, excellent collection, free parking. Bayside Branch: Family-friendly, good for high school students. Flushing Branch: Near 7 train, serves CUNY Queens College students. All offer FREE homework help, tutoring, WiFi, printing.
🌍 Experience America's Most Diverse Library System
From Flushing's vibrant Chinatown to Jamaica's Central Library flagship, Queens Public Library celebrates diversity across 65 branches serving 60+ languages. Whether you're researching in English, reading in Chinese, studying in Spanish, or learning in Korean, Queens welcomes you with free WiFi, multilingual collections, and cultural programs reflecting the world's greatest diversity.
Start your Queens library journey today at 65 locations - your language, your community, your library!
📖 Helpful Resources
🗺️ Explore Nearby
Verified Info: Our team personally contacts libraries to verify hours. Data last confirmed: December 2025
Common Questions About Queens Libraries
What time do libraries open in Queens?
Most public libraries in Queens open at 9:00 AM or 10:00 AM on weekdays. Weekend hours typically start at 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM. Academic and university libraries may open earlier, around 7:00 AM or 8:00 AM during the semester.
Are Queens libraries open on weekends?
Yes, most Queens public libraries are open on Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Sunday hours vary by location, with many libraries operating reduced hours (12:00 PM to 5:00 PM) or remaining closed.
Do I need a library card to visit Queens libraries?
No, you can visit and use library facilities without a card. However, borrowing books, accessing computers, and using certain services require a free library card. Residents can get one with valid ID and proof of address.