The Queens Borough Public Library, or QBPL is the public library for the Borough of Queens and one of three library systems serving New York City. Dating back to the foundation of the first Queens library in Flushing in 1858, QPL has become one of the largest public library systems in the United States, comprising some 63 branches throughout the borough. Since 1994, it has circulated more material than any other library in the nation, and is the second largest library in the country in terms of the size of its collections. QBPL serves Queens' population of more than 2.2 million, including one of the largest immigrant populations in the country. Consequently, a large percentage of QBPL's collections are in non-English languages, particularly Spanish. QBPL is separate from the New York Public Library. Librarians and patrons in a typical larger urban public library A public library is a library which is accessible by the public and is often operated by civil servants and funded from public sources. ... Queens is geographically the largest of the five boroughs of New York City in the United States, and the most ethnically diverse county in the U.S. It is coterminous with Queens County in the State of New York and is located on western Long Island. ... Midtown Manhattan, looking north from the Empire State Building, 2005 New York City (officially named the City of New York) is the most populous city in the state of New York and the entire United States. ... Flushing is a section of the borough of Queens in New York City, New York. ... 1858 is a common year starting on Friday. ... 1994 was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar, and was designated the International year of the Family. ... The English language is a West Germanic language that originates in England. ... New York Public Library, central block, built 1897–1911, Carrère and Hastings, architects (June 2003) The New York Public Library (NYPL), one of three public library systems serving New York City, is one of the leading libraries in the United States. ...

History

The first library in Queens was founded in 1858 in Flushing as a subscription service. It became a free circulation library in 1869. 1869 is a common year starting on Friday (link will take you to calendar). ...

In the late 19th century, several local libraries were founded in western Queens. The libraries in Astoria, Long Island City and Steinway formed the Long Island City Public Library in 1896, becoming Queens' first multi-branch library. Alternative meaning: Nineteenth Century (periodical) (18th century — 19th century — 20th century — more centuries) As a means of recording the passage of time, the 19th century was that century which lasted from 1801-1900 in the sense of the Gregorian calendar. ... Astoria, New York is a neighborhood in the northwestern part of Queens, New York. ... Long Island City, New York, often abbreviated L.I.C., is an area in the borough of Queens in New York City. ... 1896 was a leap year starting on Wednesday (see link for calendar). ...

In 1901, shortly after the consolidation of Queens into New York City, the city government proposed a new charter joining all libraries in Queens into the Queens Borough Public Library. All of the public libraries signed on, except for Flushing, which remained independent until 1903. 1901 was a common year starting on Tuesday (see link for calendar). ... 1903 has the latest occurring solstices and equinoxes for 400 years, because the Gregorian calendar hasnt had a leap year for seven years or a century leap year since 1600. ...

Due to the wide variation in population density in Queens, in 1906, the QBPL established small branches in store-fronts and shopping areas under the Traveling Library program. These branches were such a success, QBPL grew swiftly, eventually opening major branches in almost every Queens neighborhood. 1906 was a common year starting on Monday (see link for calendar). ...

Administration

The QBPL is governed by a 19-member Board of Trustees, which are appointed by the Mayor of New York City and the Borough President of Queens. The mayor, borough president, the Comptroller of New York City and the Public Advocate of New York City sit on the board as ex officio members. The library is funded by the City, state and federal grants, and through private philanthropy. For a list of the Dutch Director-Generals who governed New Amsterdam (as New York City was called when it was a Dutch-run settlement) between 1624 and 1664, see: Director-General of New Netherland. ... This page includes English translations of several Latin phrases and abbreviations such as . ... State nickname: Empire State Other U.S. States Capital Albany Largest city New York Governor George Pataki (R) Official languages None (English is de facto) Area 141,205 km² (27th)  - Land 122,409 km²  - Water 18,795 km² (13. ... Philanthropy involves the donation or granting of money to various worthy charitable causes. ...

External links

• Queens Borough Public Library
• Queens Library history