Far Rockaway’s Fantastic New Library

I recently visited the newly opened Far Rockaway Library, and it was such a wonderful experience that I have to share it with you. The modern, pyramid-shaped building sits at the corner of Central and Mott Ave., standing out against the hodgepodge of storefronts that line the street. It’s especially striking if you’re familiar with the area—you can really sense its impact. The building features vibrant yellow and gold ombre tones with graphic, organic line drawings from top to bottom. Combined with reflections of the surrounding buildings and passersby on the façade, it shouts – new and modern Far Rock. It serves as a visual introduction to what awaits inside.

Walking through the door feels expansive and layered. The theme of movement from the exterior continues throughout the interior with translucent colored panels that reflect everything. I watched as people passed by the glass, noticing different shapes and color changes with each step. Looking up, the towering ceiling is stately. The metal, brass-colored material gives the space an urban edge, with a repeating polygon design. Triangles and points are clearly a theme throughout the whole library. Perhaps they symbolize progress, direction, stability, and points of connection.

The museum-like interior

On the upper walls of the library, I noticed a design resembling the modern line tattoos everyone has these days. I was intrigued. It turns out this is an artwork by Mexican artist Pablo Helguera called the “Feynman Code.” It honors Nobel Prize-winning physicist Richard Feynman, who grew up in Far Rockaway. Helguera created an alphabet using Feynman diagrams, replacing letters with symbols representing subatomic particle behavior. Two phrases are encoded in the library: one by poet Emily Dickinson, “The brain is wider than the sky,” and one by Feynman, “I, a universe of atoms, an atom in the universe.” This is so special!

Can you believe a world-renowned architecture firm designed the Far Rockaway Library? I can’t, but it’s true. Snøhetta is the firm responsible. They partnered with Brooklyn-based contemporary artist José Parlá, who designed the panels on the library’s exterior that I mentioned earlier called, Style Writing (2022). The artwork represents a blend of the many languages spoken in the Far Rockaway community and integrates the community’s urban essence.

It feels good to see such a significant architectural and artistic investment in Far Rockaway. It seems to signal a positive step in the neighborhood’s long-promised revitalization by our city officials.

As far as library resources, on the first floor, you’ll find the book drops, an information center, a teen library, and a space for community events like workshops, book readings, and job fairs. There’s also an outdoor garden area with tables. I was sold on the spot.

As you head up the wide staircase to the second floor, you’ll find the computer learning and business resource center, where you can use the printer for up to 20 black-and-white copies. There are librarians here, ready to help if you need assistance. There’s a meeting room and many reading areas for both adults and children. There are tables with multiple outlets for charging phones or laptops. The internet is good! The magazine section, one of my favorite places to visit in a library, is ample and current. Finally, there is a collection of over 27,000 books. What stood out to me was how, despite the vast number of books, the space itself feels so expansive that the collection seems smaller than it is. It’s an interesting contrast, but rest assured, the books are certainly there!

Having some fun with light reflections at the Far Rockaway Library!

The Far Rockaway Library is a free WeWork for East Rockaway. It’s a place to think, sit, and absorb ideas. It’s a space to surround yourself with art.  It’s a place that feels alive. The library is a community hub for learning, education, and gathering, with endless potential for the Far Rockaway neighborhood and all who visit.

To learn more about Far Rock’s fantastic new library, check out the Queens Library page. The library is located at 1637 Central Ave., with 24/7 book drop-off and wheelchair access. (718) 327-2549.

Source: This is a link to an informative press release outlining some past history of the Far Rockaway Library Branch and the new building’s architectural details, and its use model.