Assemblywoman Rozic secures $250,000 in state funding to modernize beloved Queens Public Library branch
FRESH MEADOWS — Families across the Hillcrest neighborhood will soon have a reason to celebrate: the Queens Public Library’s Hillcrest Branch is preparing to reopen its newly renovated Children’s Area and Meeting Room, thanks to a $250,000 state grant secured by Assemblywoman Nily Rozic (D,WF-Fresh Meadows).
Rozic recently visited the branch alongside Queens Public Library leadership and Assemblyman David Weprin to check on the project’s progress—and to personally help shelve children’s books in anticipation of the official reopening. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is expected to be scheduled this month.
The grant funded a sweeping design and structural overhaul of both spaces. Improvements include updated furniture and shelving, asbestos abatement and air monitoring, upgraded power and data connections, and brand-new computers, carpeting, and paint. Construction began in late summer 2025, with the branch operating in phases to minimize disruption to patrons throughout the project.
“For years, families like mine have relied on the Hillcrest branch as a place for learning, exploration, and community.”
– Assemblywoman Nily Rozic
“This renovation ensures that our children have a bright, accessible, and inspired space designed specifically for them,” Rozic said. “Placing these books back on the shelves brings me much joy knowing that many young minds will be able to enjoy them again.”
Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott praised the assemblywoman’s investment, noting that the branch has served as a community hub for nearly 50 years. “Thanks to her support, the branch’s children’s area and meeting room now feature new technology and furnishings, creating a more welcoming and inspiring space for all,” he said.
Assemblyman Weprin echoed the enthusiasm. “The Hillcrest Library is a fantastic resource for our area, and I’m overjoyed to see the results of this $250,000 investment,” he said. “These extensive renovations and upgrades will service our local communities for many years to come.”
The Hillcrest Branch serves a diverse and growing population in central Queens and remains a cornerstone for educational and cultural programming in the area.
This marks Rozic’s second state funding announcement of 2026. The assemblywoman closed out last year with more than $1.5 million in state allocations directed to local schools and community centers for renovations and programming. Her most recent prior investment was a $50,000 grant for a bilingual maternal health education program at the Charles B. Wang Community Health Center, announced last month.
For updates on the ribbon-cutting ceremony and future programming at the Hillcrest Branch, residents can visit the Queens Public Library website or follow Assemblywoman Rozic’s office for announcements.
Erin Levi