Impressive library with many international books and an entire non fiction Chinese section! It goes with the territory of the area. When I walked in on this hot muggy day, many adults had found refuge in the cool library. Just about every seat was taken. Too bad they don't add a community center in here. Clean and comfortable along with free WiFi. Guards filter through the area to ensure safety of their patrons. Parking lot available a block away. read more

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April 10, 2026: it has been years I visited this library. Today I went into library and the place was dirty , not quiet at all. Decided to go to the bathroom downstairs, men's bathroom was totally disgusting and it smelled. This place is going downhill. You have what appears like homeless individuals sitting on top of stairs. Place around outside library is dirty and disgusting. The building needs to be thoroughly redone and throughly cleaned. So sad for a beautiful building when it was built and upgraded. read more

Queens Public Library - Flushing - Queens Flushing Library Main St Queens NY - Libraries Near Me - Flushing, New York

I always pass this library when I come to downtown Flushing. It's a huge library located in the heart of Flushing. Today was my first time utilizing this branch. They're open Mon - Thurs: 10am - 7pm; Fri: 10am - 6pm; Sat: 10am - 5pm; and Sun: 12pm - 5pm. You can visit this branch for browsing, seating, public computer use, in-person reference, picking up, returning, requesting materials, and printer use. This branch offers 24/7 drop-off for materials and it's wheelchair accessible There are no time limits while visiting this branch. The branch offers a variety of classes from Teen Crafts, Toddler Time, as well as events for children, teens, adults, and family. They also provide immigration assistance for new Americans. The programs that are offered here range from Arts & Culture, Health & Wellness, Job & Business Help, Technology Training, and Community Outreach. I had no idea the types of programs and events that took place here. It's awesome to know that there are extensive services and resources readily available to help the general public. I'm rating this library 3.5 stars. The reason is because I solely came here to print some documents but had trouble accessing the computers. I was guided to the second floor via stairs which wasn't just a few. There were two landings with a decent number of stairs in between. The librarians, media room, and computers are on the second floor. I was expecting to sign in to use computer like I do at my neighborhood library but i didn't have to. There's two rows of computers to choose from. You sign in with your library card # and password. Half the computers are no printer access. The other half does. The upside is that the printers are located right next to the computer. read more

Queens Public Library - Flushing - 9/28/22 - Printing Services - Libraries Near Me - Flushing, New York

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Staff are so impolite! I wanted to borrow a book for my child, but they told me to leave the library because he was not with me. Really? I can't borrow a children's book at a library just because my child isn't there? Isn't borrowing books what libraries are for? The library was packed with hardly any seats and too loud, libraries should be quiet and have seats for reading. read more

Opened on Sundays til 5 pm while most libraries close on Sundays. We visited the ground floor children library section. It has a lot of Chinese children books or Chinese culture related books due to the location. Parents can read to kids in a comfortable environment. Security officers in sight. With a library card, you can. Use a computer for 45 min with free printing up to 20 pages a day. I was told the children library printer prints B&W and upstairs is colored. read more

Queens Public Library - Flushing - Libraries Near Me - Flushing, New York

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This is the loudest library I've ever been to. I used to enjoy coming here as a child, but now that i need to study coming here is real uneventful, constant noise from loud babies and or people legit yelling on the phone. what happened to library Etiquette , no talking in a library!! Also why aren't librarians telling these babysitters to leave when the child is crying so loud.!? read more

Generally their staff are friendly and helpful. sometimes too crowded especially during tihe weekends.

I recently learned that the library card expires every 5years.... I went from the old school blue and white card, to the orange one, and now this purple card. They have turned everything into this very self service process, which I dont mind. But for those that are tech challenged, this might be very daunting. The biggest pro for me at this location is their late hours and how big this place is. I've seen how this building, this library has transformed through out the years and they have more services to offer now which is great. Workforce1 is now on the top floor to help people job hunt, and you can get your NYC ID done here too. Con: some of the staff clearly hates customer service or just their jobs but the guy on the second floor is much friendlier than the cranky old asian lady in the first floor lobby near the stairs. read more

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Wow the lobby of the front entrance to the library has changed so far. You check out and check in books through computers with only one person assisting if you need help. I had a 11:40AM appointment to get my IDNYC...thanks to my friends Pat F and Sierra B! Less hassle if you do everything online (http://www1.nyc.gov/site/idnyc/card/start-your-application.page) with printing out the applications and scheduling your appointment. In the middle of the lobby, I saw a long table where two representatives were sitting. Make sure you have your Driver's License or State Id which is 4 points for Identity and bring bill statements to proof your residence. I was handed a buzzer to wait for it to go off so I can take my picture. Damn I have to wait 3-4 weeks for it to be mail to my house. Definitely a good thing to have when you love the ART! read more

Queens Public Library - Flushing - Waiting to take my picture - Libraries Near Me - Flushing, New York

I visit this library a lot! You will find me inside on the 2nd floor searching for reference and text books or standing just outside the front door eating cheap dumplings or meat-on-a-stick. (The brain need nourishment) This Flushing location is the busiest and most utilized Queens branches in the city; more than the Queens Central Library down in in Jamaica Queens. Only 1 subway train serves this library but dozens of buses will get you here too! There are computers and workforce assistance, thousands of movies and great community center downstairs. There is even a teen room with booth seats and shows movies! (sorry for teens only) Check their calendar. read more

This is part of the landscape of Downtown Flushing. The library has three levels and has everything one can do.

A modern library that specifically caterers to the Chinese community of Flushing. Two levels of free internet workstations for registered library patrons is accessible for half hour time limit. A satellite WorkForce1 office also inhabits in this library, with even a small book section devoted to job hunting. There is a quiet room for patrons who do not wish to be disturbed for the serious reader or copious student. Media rentals are available in Chinese as well as other Asian languages on the second level. This visit garnered a renewal for my Queens Library card enabling me all access to resources within the Queens Library system of media rentals, internet usage, book rentals, et al which the checkout associate probe me to see fit for my expiration date. Facilities are the nastiest and foulest grit grim of all with toilet paper plastered all over the floor, slippery soppy wet with a strong foulest stench. Avoid coming here after school hours as it becomes a zoo with children running around and utilizing PCs to play games or interact on FB for nonacademic and very mindless nonsense. This Flushing library appears always hustling and bustling busy as I have never encounter another more or less. read more

Queens Public Library - Flushing - Libraries Near Me - Flushing, New York

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Queens libraries have just been given a doomsday budget that will nearly destroy library service in the borough. See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vu2a4UEqZsU read more

The security guards should really take people's stuff from the spaces they arent using and move it to the circulation desk so that other patrons can use the spaces being wasted. People are so greedy. If you're not gunna use a spot, then take your stuff with you. This happens at my university's library too during finals week when people are so territorial and greedy. I, as a library worker, take the stuff down so that people that NEED that spot can use it. read more

Queens Public Library - Flushing - Completely packed. Saw a girl in the quiet study room plugged in and watching her show. What a waste of a chair. - Libraries Near Me - Flushing, New York

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They need more diversity in the English Learning center - My grandmother came to the adult English learning center a few times in an effort to learn some new information and take some classes..... She had such a hard time here. If you speak Tagalog, Spanish, French, Korean, Arabic or any other language good luck finding help from anyone at this location. I don't know what the management is thinking but this isn't an ENGLISH learning center its straight up a CHINESE center. This location is nothing but people speaking in Mandarin/Cantonese constantly. The classes are run by people who have heavy Asian accents and speak in Mandarin/Cantonese DURING the class and outside of the classes to translate or explain information with disregard to other students. I understand that this is a primarily Asian populated area but it would be nice if the "English learning center" made it a point to hire people of all nationality's or at least have a good mix of people who could assist others who aren't just Mandarin/Cantonese speaking. Most government establishments make sure to have a diverse mix of nationality of the employees they hire, I don't know why this particular center is so incredibly neglected in that area. read more

This is one of the best branches of the Queens library system. Conveniently located, close to transportation and in the heart of Flushing! I was able to use the computers quickly and print out documents easily without a lot of hassle and fuss. You can also make copies here, 25 cents per page. Lots of people studying and just hanging out here. I lost my passport here and they were able to hold onto it for me, so very cool. No one stole it. Awesome! Thanks Flushing library for everything. I heart you... read more

I usually do not come to this library as it is not closed to home, but I stay away from the first floor area whenever I come. First floor is always crowded and people keep walking around you. Second floor is much nicer as it has more seats available and it seems less movement / conversation up there. There is a QUIET ROOM on 2nd floor if it is preferred, but 2nd floor is very quiet with limited phone calls/conversations in general. The desks and seats seem clean and organized on the 2nd floor. If you are going to library for school projects, work and reading, I suggest you to go to 2nd floor or up. Stay away from the 1st floor. I only give it a OKAY because there are lots of things that need to be improved. First of all, lots of people have their drinks on the desk even though the "No Food / Drink Allowed" sign is right in front of them. Those librarians seem not care much as they don't say a word when they see people are drinking inside the library. Secondly, librarians do not take any actions when people are talking loudly on the 1st floor. The ladies' room is very dirty and messy. The location of this library is very convenient and it is walking distance to LIRR station, 7th train station as well as several local bus stops, but do not drive to this library. It is almost impossible to find street parking near this library. read more

Queens Public Library - Flushing - "No Food or Drink Allowed", but nobody seems to care - Libraries Near Me - Flushing, New York

Flushing was the home of the first library in Queens. The Flushing library was founded in 1858 and was long overdue for a face lift. It was reopened on June 20, 1998, and the present state-of-the-art building at Kissena Boulevard and Main Street was opened to the public. The design won the AIA (American Institute of Architects) 2001 National Honor Award for Architecture and the building was included in the book entitled New Library Buildings of the World. Cool, huh! There are 4-levels, an International Resource Center and an Adult Learning Center, it holds more than 350,000 books, videos, periodicals and other library materials available to the public. It has 63 computer workstations with Internet access and priovides limited free printing. There are four meeting rooms, a 223 seat auditorium and exhibit space on the lower level. This library also offers live homework help online through Tutor.com The Flushing branch library has the largest children's room in the Queens Library system, so go ahead and bring the tots! It is also said to be the largest branch library in New York State. It's very clean, bright and organized. read more

Queens Public Library - Flushing - Libraries Near Me - Flushing, New York

I'll admit it now. I'm NOT a big reader. The last book that I read that I thoroughly enjoyed was probably Harry Potter series. Or perhaps it was the Inheritance Cycle with the first book/movie being Eragon (I like Dragons..don't judge). The only genres I'll read are Sci-Fi & Fantasy. OH WAIT.. my mistake. I lied. I also enjoy reading cook books.. :) Monday morning, I went to Flushing Library for the first time in like 3-4 years. Legit. Not even joking. I walked in..and immediately, I was like.. this is such a strange place. The security guys, they were probably looking at me and thinking, "this guy don't belong here." Sure enough, one of them, actually followed me up to the 2nd floor. Like, WTF MAN?? What am I gonna steal? Books?! GTFO.. LOLL I looked around for about an hour and found 1 book that I was interested in.. and I went to check out. I waited in line for like 20 mins..and then a librarian says, "Are you waiting to check that book out? You don't need to wait in line." -_- Really.. Sigh. You guys should have some signs on the walls or some sh!t.. She leads me to the check out station..where there are now computers with scanners. Wow..so high tech.. O_o read more

So yeah I am one of those bookish types that like to read. It can be science fiction, mystery, thrillers or made for tv. I like them all. And if you live in queens and have a super long commute a book can be your best friend. I usually like to reserve items online at their website and just pick them up at my branch and since they now have self check out you don't have to wait on excruciatingly long lines to get the books you want. If you want to return stuff just drop it inside the slot outside the doors or the slots inside the 1st floor next to the checkout area. Pick up your reserves at the wall to the back of the first floor. There is a media center on the 2nd floor with CDs and DVDs here too. You don't really need redbox if you have a library card. This branch also carries a lot of foreign language films in korean and chinese if you are into those soap operas and cops vs gangsters series. This place also has a job center and lots of computers. There is an auditorium that holds special performances like open mics and live music from local bands. Lots of places for quiet time and areas to study mostly on the second floor. They also have a small childrens center where your kids can explore and play and sometimes listen to story time as well. The staff at this branch are also really nice and helpful too. The Queens library website also has their own version of an e-reader called Overdrive that you can put on your laptop, computer or smartphone. I have used it to listen to audiobooks and read regular books as well since sometimes its a burden to bring large heavy copies of the newest bestseller with you. Great to have such a big branch by me and not as crowded as the Manhattan ones. Note: they open late on Tuesdays but that means they close later. read more

Quite a modern and clean library for the city system. Outside, a glass facade wraps around, with a section where you can tell the children's glass mural exists. Inside, rows of computers, silent study areas and rooms, and multiple floors - but no photography allowed according to the security guard. Easy check-out process and a lot of people passing through, reading, studying, applying for jobs, etc. Children's area has the great glass mural and lots of playthings, on the first floor to the back. Interesting "blinds", too, that stretch in front to semi-shade the internal stairway. Plenty of local announcement fliers on the first floor. Lots of local (read: Asian) material, too. Oh, take a look at the steps outside, too, where they have various books and authors engraved into the stones of the steps. Very cool idea, in my humble opinion. read more

This library has many floors and is kept generally pretty quiet. The ground floor is where the restrooms are, which can be a life savor for some people that aren't able to find a restroom on busy main street. Don't expect the cleanness bathroom though because there's a lot of people that come here. The librarian staff here are very helpful and professional. There are a lot of selection of books and I really like how they have a lot of DVDs. I know that a lot of people probably can easily stream, but for those that like the old fashion way of doing things, they have a bunch of DVDs that are pretty popular. If you're not able to get a hold of the movie during your time at the library, you can easily hold the movie and you'll be the next one to borrow it once it becomes available. Convenient location with a lot of selections. read more

WOW...everything in NY is impressive. I love the building, I enjoy their selection of books. I wish I was able to check out a book while I was staying in NY. But if I needed a library card, and I live out of state, then I will have to pay $50 bucks. I wasn't about to do that though...so I ended up reading something there in the library. But...wow...three stories of books and all! read more

Queens Public Library - Flushing - Libraries Near Me - Flushing, New York

Really spacious and inviting inside. Quick and easy to get a membership. I simply brought my ID and a letter showing my address and was able to get my library card immediately. Librarians were friendly and helpful. For the first month of getting the library card, you can only check out five items. After the first month you can check out up to 50! You can check out for 21 days at a time and can even renew some of the books online. The checking out system was computerized and a bit confusing. You have to scan each book then leave it on top of the scanner. Something that confused me was that this library is part of the Queens library system only, not the New York Public Library system. So if you are trying to submit an application for a card online, go to the Queens Library system website. read more

+Hugh selection of books. +Lots of area to sit and read. +Easy auto checkout. +Has collection of some old/mid regional DVD collections. +Employees are helpful. +You can get your IDNYC done here, if you get early in morning its quick in and out. +24/7 outside of library drop off area - you will need your library card to open door. And sometimes the machines are broken. I have yet to get a receipt printed from these since they always out of printing rolls? Use email instead. +You can self-checkout style pay your fines at the front desk its to your left as soon as you enter. - Crowded in opening hours. We are talking its a sale level crowded. - If you need to use computers I usually see kids playing games on it so might be a while before you use it. - Sometimes you do not find books you are looking for but you can have it mailed to this location using your library card and their online services. read more

Okay, I have a love-hate relationship with this default library of mine, but I admit that the pros far outweigh the cons in this case. What I Love (With Adoration): -- Yes, the architecture: the beautiful blue-green glass, the modern, minimalist, yet not-stuffy interior, and (my personal favorite) the staircase that list out some famous titles in the native language and the English translation inscribed next to it. -- The enormous selection of books, CDs, DVDs, multimedia... and in non-English languages too! I know my mom has her Korean dramas, my friends have their Chinese, Bengali, Russian, and Urdu fixes. I would say this library has the most comprehensive foreign language media in the city, if not the state. -- Until I was 11, the Children's Room was my Mecca. They had a replica of a trolley car and I would read there (Don't know if it's still there, but I think so). They had American Girl Magazine, Highlight for Children, National Geographic Kids, and the juvenile fiction series with Sweet Valley, Baby Sitters Club, along with the classics such as Anne of Green Gables and Laura Ingalls Wilder. It is spacious and incredibly kid-parent friendly. -- Where else can I borrow CDs and rip them to Windows Media Player or watch movies on DVD, not having to pay a dime? Thank you, thank you, thank you! We all could use a little nifty thrifty during a recession. Now what I ABSOLUTELY Hate (With an undying passion): -- You literally need to be at the library when it opens in order to claim a spot. You need to claim it and mark your terrirtory lest an unsuspecting person, assuming your empty seat to be free space, swipes it away from you. --Those that DO get seats stay in them. All. Day. Long. Granted, a lot of them are older people that trek from other parts of Queens to read in their native languages, so I'll give them some slack. I'm just sort of impatient because quite frankly, there isn't a lot of public space in the Flushing area, period. The library is the only place at Main St. (exception: Starbucks), and it gets PACKED. -- Can the workers be any more surly? It's like they're working only because someone threatened them with dynamite up their butts to get going. But again, to be the devil's advocate, Flushing has an insanely high circulation with lines that snake out past the ropes. That's a lot of people to be working with, but that's still no excuse for the workers. All in all, a great library that I wish wasn't as crowded but I can understand why. With its immense size, many programs, and the user-friendly, multi-lingual setting, it is an ideal destination for everybody: bookworms, architects, the immigrants, the old-timers. Many things in Flushing have changed rapidly, but the library has been the one constant since 1998 that won't be going anytime soon thanks to our diverse population; I rest a little easier. read more

I will give you this: It is huge and DVD section is tremendous, with about a third dedicated to foreign language like Indian/Bengali or Chinese. How many levels are there? Four? This place is a complex. It does get crazy though. Four floors of crazy - when the kids get out of school. I was going to take out a few movies, but then I saw the line and felt dizzy. It snaked at least 6 times.There may be checkout kiosks, but they weren't apparent. So I left. Maybe this review needs an update? Maybe I'll be back. read more

This is the busiest library in Queens and I once heard someone say that this has the highest amount of circulation. They have a large and newly renovated computer facility on the second floor where you can use PCs per 30minutes. They have express printout PCs on the 2nd and 3rd floor. Teenage room is modeled after a diner and kids can play video games on a flat screen TV. There is free WiFi available at this facility with ample amount of plugs. They also have a very up to date DVD selection on Chinese and Korean films including TV shows, as well as other DVDs from other cultures. The DVD area is newly renovated and located on the second floor. All checkouts and returns have to be made on this floor. This library also does inter-library loans. If you can't find a book in the Queens library system, information will take your book requests and try to borrow the book from another library system. That is cool! The downside of this branch is that it is sometimes difficult to get seats, especially in the summer or when the kids get out of school. It is sometimes difficult to get a seat. The other negative thing about this library is that most people who have got a seat, leave some personal items as to say this seat is taken, they go to lunch or go shopping and return later.. This sometimes makes it even more difficult to get a seat and I've seen people sit on the floor because they are not able to find seats. As for most Queens library people don't respect quietness. You will hear loud talking and people talking on their phones. Expect it to be more like a living room. read more

This is a great library, but in terms of a place to write, it gets only 3 stars because of the lack of food (this is a library after all). This is a truly community library with lots of books and programs in diverse languages ranging from Mandarin to Urdu. In terms of a writing space, large (and usually full communal tables) on the 2nd floor by the tall green glass windows make for a nice quiet space. There is free wifi for those who have a Queens library card. Now if the library had a a cafe, this would definitely be a 5 star place to write. read more

PRO: -It's a free library with internet -Good location if you're into Chinese/Asian food. CONS: -People doing really weird things like brushing their teeth in public. -Middle aged men doing really creepy stuff. -People talking loudly with no consideration whatsoever. -It smells really bad. Be prepared to breath through your mouth. -Dim lighting. -Disgusting bathroom. -Impossible to find seats because people either hoard seats or sleep in a spot for half the day. -No free parking or parking vouchers. -Slow internet which, at best, runs at 2 mbps. read more

This is one beautiful library. It is very community oriented and is really large too! the air conditioning is a god sent in the heat of the summer! even to just pop in, refresh yourself on the third or basement floor bathroom and then go peruse some books and coooool down the dvd selection is HUGE! the number of chinese/taiwanese hong kong films and shows is GINORMOUS The comic book- err... graphic novel selection is great too! they have not only just those comics of marvel, but comics that are thought provoking and really just plain ole good-- think of maus BEST PART- the quiet room. this room is on the third floor and its kinda small. it has to be small, otherwise it would get loud. its so good to study for finals or midterms! there are great community programs in this library which happen EVERY month; this is an extremely active library! they have a great news paper selection and i just plain old love this place read more

The best library in Queens. The librarian in the internet room was slightly tyrannical, but overall still impressed by this place. Less war machines. More libraries. Thank you. read more

I like the fact that this library is in the heart of Flusing and so many people in the community leverage this library to study and read. But I am so mad that the WiFi here cuts me off every 30 seconds! I am trying to work! And this is happening EVERYTIME I am here! Please fix it read more

Went here before multiple times, and it's always very crowded. The visitors are often extremely varied. Some of them are really loud/distracting and it's frustrating when you're trying to get work done. The last few times I went there some old man threw a fit for no reason... I would not recommend coming here if you're looking for a peaceful place to work. The quiet is sporadic. On the upside? There's free internet connection, which is always a plus. read more

I have been coming to this library for about two months now, and I am impressed with most of the library, but the bad aspects are hard to overlook. The Bad: 1. The wifi seems unstable. When I first came here, I was getting disconnected form the wifi all the time. Given that they have a portal that you have to log into to get on the wifi, your device, once disconnected, cannot automatically sign on to the wifi. Thus, you have to go through the portal every time you want to get re-connected to the wifi. Very Annoying. After spending some time in the library, I realized that the wifi is not unstable. The issue is that the wifi range does not cover the entire library. There are plenty of places in the library that are on the outskirts of the wifi range. These places allow you to connect, but you will quickly lose connection. If you move to another location within the library (I have found that seats near the Teen section work well), you will have a strong, reliable connection to the wifi. 2. The adult bathrooms are not pleasant. If possible, I would avoid them. The Good: 1. They have a lot of books! As someone who speaks Mandarin as a second language, I like the fact that I can checkout Chinese novels from my library. Also, as a person who is interested in Software Engineering, I was impressed by the number and selection of technical books that this library has. 2. Convenient to travel to. This library is three blocks from the 7 train. Getting to and leaving from this library is simple. 3. They have a Teen section! The library has a section that is dedicated to teens. To my knowledge, it is a place where only teens and employees of the library are allowed to enter. 4. They host events that are geared towards bettering the community. 5. The library hours are awesome! They are open every day of the week, and, on most days, they are open from 9 am to 9 pm. read more

Quite fabulous, I say. This has been less of an obligation and a research facility for me than it is a haven for my personal enjoyment, at least while browsing. Yes, it's obnoxiously crowded and not particularly quiet, but it has a wonderful selection of both books and DVDs; I know that oftentimes I can find whatever I need and hop on the Q27 to read in peace. I like the design as well: spacious, glass, clear, bright...it's definitely one of the more attractive buildings in the area. And for those who love cookbooks, Flushing's selection is a lot better than most, trumped only by the Central Library in Jamaica. read more

The library was clean and the staff was very helpful. I was looking for Japanese books, since I was unable to find decent Japanese language books in the New York Public Library system. I'm happy to say that there was a wide selection. The teens section was comfortable and quiet. Overall, the library was peaceful and welcoming - I would definitely come back, despite the long commute. P.S. Be wary of older Asian men that accompany you in the elevator, they might belt one out - don't get offended! read more

Security kicked me out of the children's play area with the house. Told me I couldn't read with my daughter while all the other kids were running around like it's a play area....um it's a library not a park and we were reading...why was I kicked out for it while children run and scream and not read? I thought libraries were to promote reading, not get kicked out for it. read more

A huuuuuge selection of books and movies at this library. The negative about this place is that it can be overcrowded at times. It's hard to find a seat so at times I have to comb through the floors looking for any availability. Outlets also aren't everywhere. But there are many positives. There are four floors with many options, two bathrooms and helpful staff. Also many events happen here and there's a cute little art gallery on the first floor. It's a place worth checking out. read more

I hope the best for this library because this is where the Asian American kids go for help with school and for quiet study areas. I used to volunteer with the after school homework help. I'm thinking of starting that up again if they still have it. This library is also one of the main meeting areas in Flushing people know to go to. Often, outside the library stairs are lots of people just sitting and sipping Quickly teas. I'm guilty for being one of those people except... I THROW AWAY MY CUP IN A WASTE BIN!!!! ahem... just saying.... read more