Elmhurst branch of the Queens Borough Public Library, ca. 1910. A Carnegie library. Many adults and children on the steps.
1910
Elmhurst branch of the Queens Borough Public Library, ca. 1910. A Carnegie library. Many adults and children on the steps.
Elmhurst Branch,
Designed by Lord & Hewlett and completed in 1906, the Elmhurst Branch typified the suburban style of Carnegie libraries. It was a single story, freestanding structure within a larger lot. The library was built with an original landscaped rear garden, which was removed and replaced with a parking in the mid 20th century. The surrounding neighborhood, established as Dutch community in the 17th century, became a thriving multi-ethnic enclave in the 20th century. As such the library offered publications in Bengali, Chinese, English, Gujarati, Hindi, Korean, Spanish, Tagalog and Urdu.
The Georgian Revival building survived 106 years through numerous renovations and additions before it was demolished in 2012, much to the disappointment of preservationists. It was replaced in 2016 by a larger modern glass and masonry structure.