Queens Memory

🎧 Join Us for a Listening Party: Las Reinas de Queens 👑

Come together for an evening of storytelling, community, and conversation as we listen to and discuss "Las Reinas de Queens," a powerful audio series exploring identity, migration, family, and the experiences of Latina women in Queens.

📅 June 1, 2026
🕔 5:00 PM ET
📍 Jackson Heights Library Queens Public Library

✨Reserve your spot: https://buff.ly/NtB2Ksr

Hosted by Radio Ambulante Studios and Queens Public Library.

🌞 EPISODE 5: Rockaway Memories is out now! 🌞

This episode was a true joy to work on. We heard so many stories about water and reflected on summer, memory, and the places we keep returning to together.

Listen to the episode here: https://buff.ly/uFLDZfC
It's also available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcast.

Join us this Thursday for a community listening party, as we come together and listen to excerpts together. We'll continue the conversation with participants from the episode in attendance. Discussion and Q&A moderated by New York Sea Grant 🙏

🗓️ Thursday, May 28
📍 Far Rockaway branch, Queens Public Library
🕰️ 5:30 to 7pm
🔗 to RSVP: queenslib.org/RM

Food + refreshments will be provided!

📷️ by Nick Capezzera

Reminder: All Queens Public Library locations are closed today, Monday, May 25.

We join the rest of the nation on in honoring those who have served and sacrificed.

(Pictured: from the , a Memorial Day Parade on Rockaway Beach Boulevard, 1955.)

to May 20, 1935 📸
This photo shows the Flushing Armory on Northern Blvd & Leavitt St. and the Flushing Memorial statue by Hermon MacNeil. The inscription reads: “The World War – In Memory Of Those Who Gave Their Lives.”

Have a safe Memorial Day! Reminder: All QPL locations are closed May 23rd–25th.

This May 1966 issue of Queensborough Magazine featured the Annual Building Awards sponsored by the Queens Chamber of Commerce🏆 One of the winners was the iconic "Macy's in the Round," building designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill - now the Queens Place Mall.

Join us for a community listening party, celebrating the premiere of a new podcast episode - "Rockaway Memories." Through stories from Rockaway residents, the episode explores how water has shaped everyday life, neighborhood history, and community memory across the peninsula. 🌊

The evening will include a behind-the-scenes conversation with podcast producers and participants, a group listening session, and a moderated discussion facilitated with our partner New York Sea Grant 💫

Light bites + beverages will be provided!

We also invite you to bring photographs, documents, or other items connected to life in the Rockaways for a community scanning activity to help preserve local history. Attendees are welcome to digitize personal materials for their own records as well.

📍 Far Rockaway Branch of the Queens Public Library
📅 Thursday, May 28
🕠 5:30pm
🎟 Free with RSVP

Register: queenslib.org/RM

Queens Library at Woodside, adult reading room (1937)

In 1937, the adult reading room at the Queens Library in Woodside reflected the importance of public libraries in community life. Rows of tables, bookshelves, and reading lamps created a quiet space for study and learning. Libraries served residents of all ages by providing access to books, newspapers, and educational resources. During the Great Depression, public libraries became especially valuable to many New Yorkers. The Woodside branch supported the growing neighborhood population in Queens. Readers gathered to study, research, or simply enjoy literature. The atmosphere emphasized education and civic engagement. Photographs from 1937 capture a calm and thoughtful public space in the city.