September 25, 2015
Ribbon Cutting

A Revamped Rochdale Village Library Open Its Doors

As the most ethnically diverse urban area in the world, Queens attracts people from all over the world.  As it population grows, the borough requires greater attention to local resources and services tailored to a wide range of people. On Friday, councilmembers, community leaders, and DDC staff gathered for a ribbon cutting ceremony at Rochdale Village Library to celebrate the expansion of the Adult Learning Center. Several students of the Learning Center, who originally came from all over the world, were also on hand to discuss how much the facility means to them.  The students learned English at the Adult Learning Center in just a matter of months!

The Prendergast-Laurel Architects-designed renovation of the Rochdale Village Library adds 1,700 square feet to the existing building. As one of seven Adult Learning Centers in the Queens Library system, the expanded Adult Learning Center will serve hundreds of patrons looking to increase their English skills, learn to read, and prepare for GED classes. The renovation includes expanded classroom space, more computer and listening stations, and communal space.

No matter the size or location of a building, sustainability counts—Rochdale Village Library is no exception. The renovation also includes a roof garden and a tree-planted courtyard to help mitigate rainwater and prevent flooding.

"We are proud to have partnered with the Queens Library, our local elected officials and community stakeholders for the ribbon-cutting of the Rochdale Village Library's Adult Learning Center. In continuing Mayor Bill de Blasio's vision for a healthy, sustainable city for all New Yorkers, we are committed to providing well-designed, safe and healthy educational environments to contribute to the community and most importantly the city's growth," said DDC Commissioner Feniosky Peña-Mora.

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