Queens Central Library Children’s Library Discovery Center

The Children’s Library Discovery Center (CLDC) is a 2-story addition to the Queens Central Library housing the children’s collection and creating space for interactive science exhibits that offer visitors an engaging, hands-on learning experience. The contemporary glass façade increases the building’s visibility in the community and creates a dialogue with the street, positioning the library as a vibrant social and cultural destination. Inside, independent reading space, media stations, collaboration zones, and lounge areas are arrayed in an open plan, creating a rich and cohesive user experience. Quiet reading nooks and informal social spaces incorporated into the perimeter wall further enhance the connection between the building and its context. The LEED-Gold-Certified addition features several sustainability measures, including radiant floor heating, ample daylighting, and high-performance insulated glazing.

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.

LOCATION: QUEENS, NY
COMPLETED: 2011
LEED GOLD CERTIFIED
PHOTOGRAPHY © MICHAEL MORAN

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