But what if learning felt like play? That’s the idea behind the Children’s Library Discovery Center. It is in Jamaica, Queens. This isn’t just any library. The Children’s Library Discovery Center is a place where kids can explore science and reading at the same time.
Opened in 2011, the Children’s Library Discovery Center stands as an addition to the Queens Central Library. The New York City Department of Design & Construction commissioned it. The center is the largest facility in the Queens Borough Public Library system.
What makes the Children’s Library Discovery Center special? It’s the hands-on exhibits. Thanks to a grant from the National Science Foundation, the library has unique discovery stations. Specialists from the Exploratorium in San Francisco helped design them. These stations introduce children to weather, music and even nanotechnology. They are geared toward kids aged 3 to 12. Thomas Galante, the CEO of Queens Library, says this mix of exhibits and reading is unique among public libraries in the United States.
The building itself is a sight to behold. 1100 Architect designed the 22000-square-foot space. Lee H. Skolnick Architecture & Design Partnership created the graphics. The glass facade stands out. It matches the neighborhood’s low-rise buildings.
The Children’s Library Discovery Center is more than just a building. It serves a diverse community. It offers resources that might not be readily available to Queens residents. The original Queens Central Library was built in 1966. York & Sawyer designed it. It was one of the first major libraries to put all public services on one floor.
The addition of the Children’s Library Discovery Center came about through New York’s Design and Construction Excellence program. This program aims to improve the design of government buildings. It encourages fresh talent by guaranteeing market-rate fees to architects.
Inside the Children’s Library Discovery Center, the design is just as impressive. The exterior uses four types of glass. This creates a glowing facade. It makes the library visible. Large windows let in plenty of natural light. The thick perimeter walls feature quiet reading nooks.
The interior connects seamlessly with the existing library. Niches and windows offer views in and out. Colorful graphics mark the Children’s Library Discovery Center as a special place.
Acoustical plaster ceilings create a sense of rhythm. The stair acts as a sculpture. It encourages visitors to explore both floors. The Exploratorium helped design the interactive exhibits. These exhibits focus on science, technology, engineering and math.
The Children’s Library Discovery Center also focuses on sustainability. It uses a high-performance facade. It also has energy-efficient lighting and radiant floor heating. The building uses recycled materials. Green education graphics teach visitors about these features.
The Children’s Library Discovery Center has won several awards. These include the Queens Library Foundation Award for Excellence in Design. It also won the Municipal Art Society of New York MASterworks Award.
So next time you are near the Queens Central Library, step inside the Children’s Library Discovery Center. Discover a world where learning and play go hand in hand. It is a place where young minds can explore and grow.