Programs
THE 2025 QUEENS PUBLIC LIBRARY EMPLOYEE ART SHOWCASE (IN-PERSON)
The show opens on Tuesday, April 1 at 10am, and will be on display all month long at Central Library during regular service hours. Over the years, we’ve been privileged by the talented contemporary artists whose works grace the main floor of Central Library. This April, in celebration of National Library Week, we build on this tradition with a new exhibit that features artwork made by the employees of Queens Public Library! The pieces on display come from those who responded to a call for original handiwork, textiles, paintings, photographs and other mediums. We feel great pride and gratitude for the creativity and resourcefulness in our employees, as it directly contributes to the welfare of the public we are committed to serving. Be sure to stop by and feel the inspiration that helps drive our community!
Tuesday, April 1-Wednesday, April 30
Central Library (during regular hours of service)
89-11 Merrick Boulevard, Jamaica
CELEBRATE JEWISH CULTURE WITH THE CHUTZPAH CARAVAN! (IN-PERSON)
Step into the Chutzpah Caravan experience and embark on an unforgettable celebration of faith, freedom, and the ultimate exodus—brought to life through electrifying music and spirited dance!
Feel the pulse of history as we commemorate the Israelites’ awe-inspiring journey from slavery in Egypt to triumphant liberation. This is more than a story—it’s a vibrant tribute to resilience, hope, and the unbreakable spirit of freedom.
This program is made possible by the Queens Public Library Foundation, The Pickman Foundation, and our individual donors.
Sunday, April 6
2pm
Kew Gardens Hills
72-33 Vleigh Place, Flushing
SUNDAY CONCERTS AT CENTRAL: HOT TODDIES JAZZ BAND (IN-PERSON)
The Hot Toddies Jazz Band is a hot jazz and swing band from NYC. They have an eclectic mix of styles perfect for dancing, lindy hop, and good times! Founded just before the pandemic, the band quickly became one of the top swing bands on the scene in NYC, the birthplace of the dance. They have toured extensively across the U.S., and have performed at numerous venues including Lincoln Center’s Summer for the City (formerly Midsummer Night Swing), The Blue Note Jazz Club, and The Whitney Museum, among others. Led by noted composer / producer / drummer Patrick Soluri (Prohibition Productions), the band has featured some of today’s top musicians in the swing & trad jazz worlds, including Queen Esther, Hannah Gill, and Alphonso Horne - just to name a few.
Register here: https://Ap6.eventbrite.com/?aff=website
Sunday, April 6
3pm
Central Library
89-11 Merrick Boulevard, Jamaica
SEWING CLUB: OPEN LAB (IN-PERSON)
Want to sew? Need to sew? Do you have a project you would like to work on? We provide the sewing machines and accessories, you bring your own project and fabric.
There is no instruction during the lab so you need to know how to use a sewing machine. Simple guidance will be provided. No registration is required but space is limited. Adults 18 and over only.
Mondays, April 7, 14
10am
Central Library
89-11 Merrick Boulevard, Jamaica
ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION: FREE MEMORY SCREENINGS (IN-PERSON)
Join us for a complimentary memory screening conducted by the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. A memory screening is a simple, quick, non-invasive “healthy brain checkup” that tests memory and other thinking skills. Memory screenings are not a diagnosis of any particular illness but can indicate whether the person should see their physician for additional testing. Registration is required. Please call Bay Terrace Library at (718) 423-7004 to register.
Monday, April 7
10am
Bay Terrace
18-36 Bell Boulevard, Bayside
OSHA 30 HOUR TRAINING (IN-PERSON)
The OSHA workshop provides certification for construction workers and employers on the recognition, avoidance, abatement, and prevention of safety and health hazards on the worksite.
Monday, April 7 to Friday, April 11
10am
St. Albans
191-05 Linden Boulevard
QPL BABY: BABY AND ME (IN-PERSON)
Children ages 6-18 months and their caregivers are invited for stories, songs, fingerplays, music, and toys! No registration required.
Mondays, April 7, 28
10:30am
Auburndale
25-55 Francis Lewis Boulevard
CREATIVE AGING: VIRTUAL CREATIVE WRITING CLUB (VIRTUAL)
If you enjoy writing creatively, socializing and sharing stories, you will want to join this newly formed QPL Club, moderated by Older Adult Services and co-led by select participants. There will be writing prompts, poetry, personal stories, and time to write and share. Please email mailabook@queenslibrary.org to register and to receive a link to the club meeting.
Mondays, April 7, 14, 21; June 16, 23, 30
2pm
BANNED BOOKS SCAVENGER HUNT (IN-PERSON)
Join us for a scavenger hunt in our Children’s Room as we celebrate the Freedom to Read.
Monday, April 7 through Wednesday, April 9 at 2pm
Thursday, April 10 at 3pm
Friday, April 11 at 2pm
Saturday, April 12 at 10am
Fresh Meadows
193-20 Horace Harding Expressway
ENGLISH CONVERSATION GROUP (IN-PERSON)
Practice your English in a friendly environment! Join this free English conversation group for people ages 17 and up. Improve your English-speaking skills through basic conversation. This group is for students with a basic knowledge of English. Walk-ins are welcome!
Mondays, April 7, 14, 21, 28
2:30pm
Mitchell-Linden
31-32 Union Street, Flushing
FREEDOM TO READ STORYTIMES (IN-PERSON)
During National Library Week, Queens Public Library is hosting storytimes at 7 locations featuring a banned or challenged book to celebrate the freedom to read and the essential role libraries play in our communities.
Monday, April 7
2:30pm
North Hills
57-04 Marathon Parkway, Little Neck
Monday, April 7
Tuesday, April 8
Wednesday, April 9
3pm
Whitestone
151-10 14 Road
Wednesday, April 9
10:30am
Far Rockaway
1637 Central Avenue
Wednesday, April 9
10:30am
Steinway
21-45 31 Street, Astoria
Wednesday, April 9
11am
Corona
38-23 104 Street
Wednesday, April 9
4pm
East Flushing
196-36 Northern Boulevard
Friday, April 11
10:30am
Ridgewood
20-12 Madison Street
CULTURE BRIDGE: JOYOUS SPRING (IN-PERSON) 中文
Musicians on pipa, guzheng, ruan, and erhu present a vibrant program of traditional Chinese music, celebrating the arrival of spring. The colors and spirit of the season come to life through a repertoire of Chinese classical and folk melodies.
Performers:
• Huang Tianzuo – Gaohu: A high-pitched two-string fiddle commonly used in Cantonese music; Erhu: A two-string fiddle with a medium pitch.
• Wang Junling – Guzheng: A long zither with 21 strings stretched over movable bridges, plucked with fingernails.
• Sun Li – Pipa: A pear-shaped lute with four strings, played with fingernails.
• Zheng Xiaohui – Da Ruan: A bass moon guitar.
Tuesday, April 8
10am
Flushing
41-17 Main Street
BEGINNER COMPUTER CLASS (IN-PERSON)
This is a beginner-level computer class that takes the intimidation out of technology. Learn how to use a computer, plus how to email, navigate the Windows operating system, and look out for Internet safety.
Tuesdays, April 8, 15; May 6, 13; June 10
10:30am
Bellerose
250-06 Hillside Avenue
QUEENSBORO DANCE FESTIVAL PRESENTS SALSA DANCE INSTRUCTION FOR ADULTS (IN-PERSON)
Learn how to dance salsa with the Cucala Dance Company. Take part in all four sessions. Stop by the library or call (718) 831-8644 to preregister. Space is limited to 30 participants. This program is funded by New York State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky.
Tuesdays, April 8, 15, 22, 29
4pm
Bellerose
250-06 Hillside Avenue
DRAG STORY HOUR NYC (IN-PERSON)
Please join us at Jackson Heights Library for Drag Story Hour (DSH) NYC. DSH NYC is a program for children ages 3–8 years old that raises awareness of gender diversity, promotes self-acceptance, and builds empathy through an enjoyable literary experience! The program features a drag performer reading picture books, singing songs, and leading children in a craft activity.
This program is funded by New York City Council Member Shekar Krishnan.
Wednesday, April 9
3:30pm
Jackson Heights
35-51 81 Street
COLLEGE READINESS: PLANNING FOR COLLEGE COSTS (VIRTUAL)
This workshop, led by Yanique Powell of Beyond 12th Consulting, is designed to help families understand the various methods available to pay for college, including scholarships, financial aid, and other funding options. The workshop will also break down the total cost of college, including tuition, fees, room and board, and other expenses like books and supplies. Participants will leave the workshop with a better understanding of how they can start budgeting and planning for college with time.
Join us on Microsoft Teams: https://queenslib.org/4k3C
Wednesday, April 9
6pm
NORTH HILLS SEED LIBRARY KICK OFF: SEED SWAP! (IN-PERSON)
Come help us kick off the opening of North Hills’s very own seed library with a seed swap! Bring some seeds to share with your neighbors, and come claim seeds from our new seed library to help you start your at-home garden! Both vegetables and flowers are welcome!
Thursday, April 10
12:30pm
North Hills
57-04 Marathon Parkway, Little Neck
UNDERSTANDING TOXIC STRESS & TRAUMA (PROGRAM IN BENGALI) বাংলা (IN-PERSON)
Together we can work on living healthier lives, so in this workshop we will...
• Explore the concepts of toxic stress and trauma, their causes, and their impact on physical and mental health.
• Identify the signs of toxic stress and trauma that manifest behaviorally, emotionally, and physically.
• Discover strategies for healing and support.
Thursday, April 10
3:30pm
Jackson Heights
35-51 81 Street
INTERNATIONAL MOVIE NIGHT (IN-PERSON)
Come join us for our free screening of Farewell My Concubine. Li Bihua’s novel Farewell My Concubine was adapted into a cinematic masterpiece, directed by Chen Kaige, featuring Zhang Guorong, Zhang Fengyi, and Gong Li in the lead roles. The film garnered international acclaim, winning the Palme d’Or at the 46th Cannes Film Festival in 1993, and was subsequently selected by Time Magazine as one of the “100 Best Films of All Time” in 2005. The film was also nominated for the Golden Globe Award for Best Foreign Language Film and the 66th Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. Rated PG. No registration is required.
Thursday, April 10
4pm
Whitestone
151-10 14 Road
ILLUSTRATION & CHARACTER DESIGN WORKSHOP (IN-PERSON)
Teens! Do you want to take the first step in designing and illustrating characters of your own? Join this program to learn the fundamentals of creating and illustrating well-rounded characters for a world of your own making. Throughout this class, we will reference great mangas and how their creators develop and create their characters. This program will be led by manga illustrator Raakin Mahbub, a local Queens-based artist. This program is funded by New York State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr.
Thursday, April 10
4pm
Lefferts
103-34 Lefferts Boulevard, Richmond Hill
LITERARY THURSDAYS: AMANDA JONES AND THAT LIBRARIAN: THE FIGHT AGAINST BOOK BANNING IN AMERICA (VIRTUAL)
We’re excited to bring you this special episode of Literary Thursdays in honor of National Library Week! Small-town librarian Amanda Jones’s decision to support a collection of books with diverse perspectives made her a target of extremists and their book banning campaigns, funded by dark money organizations and advanced by hard-right politicians in a crusade to make America more white, straight, and “Christian.” Her book That Librarian: The Fight Against Book Banning in America is part memoir, part manifesto, and the inspiring story of a Louisiana librarian advocating for inclusivity on the front lines of our vicious culture wars.
Meet the author and join our conversation on Microsoft Teams: https://queenslib.org/4q3n
Thursday, April 10
6pm
FRIDAY AFTERNOON KAHOOT TRIVIA (IN-PERSON)
Come to Fresh Meadows and help us celebrate National Library Week! This Friday’s trivia questions will be about our library. Participants will use smart devices to answer multiple-choice questions. The winner will receive a small prize! No registration is required.
Friday, April 11
4pm
Fresh Meadows
193-20 Horace Harding Expressway
5TH ANNUAL FLUSHING POETRY FESTIVAL (IN-PERSON) 中文
Celebrate Poetry Month this April with these awesome events, presented by the Organization Committee of Flushing Poetry Festival, New York. Admission is FREE!
Together, we will...
• Experience the power of Chinese poetry!
• Enjoy live readings by award-winning poets
• Engage in discussions about modern poetry translation
• Discover new poetry collections and bilingual works—meet the poets!
• Explore the fusion of modern art and poetry
• Witness captivating poetry readings, calligraphy demonstrations, and art exhibitions
Saturday, April 12, Flushing Library, Rooms A&B, lower level
11am-1pm - Announcement of award-winning poems and poets
2-4pm - Panel discussions about modern poetry translation
Sunday, April 13, Herald Gospel Plaza, 42-35 Main Street, 2nd floor
11am-1pm - New poetry collection launch and bilingual works showcase
2-4pm - Modern art and poetry fusion—live performances and exhibitions
Saturday, April 12
11am
Flushing
41-17 Main Street
BASIC SIGN LANGUAGE WITH ANNSHA (IN-PERSON)
Have you ever thought of learning sign language? Come and join Basic Sign Language with Annsha at East Elmhurst Library! During each Saturday class, you will learn sign language for basic communication and how to sign comfortably. This program is made possible by the Queens Public Library Foundation and our individual donors.
Saturdays, April 12, 19, 26; May 3, 10, 17
11:30am
East Elmhurst
95-06 Astoria Boulevard
CELEBRATE NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK WITH CHIHYE LEE (IN-PERSON)
Korean-born artist Chihye Lee will help you make a beautiful colorful paper craft in celebration of National Library Week. Supplies are limited, on a first-come, first-served basis.
This program is funded by New York State Assembly Member Ron Kim.
Saturday, April 12
2pm
Mitchell-Linden
31-32 Union Street, Flushing
MEET MARIAH FREDERICKS, AUTHOR OF THE LINDBERGH NANNY (IN-PERSON)
Queens resident and mystery author Mariah Fredericks discusses the facts behind the fiction in The Lindbergh Nanny, a novel about the young Scotswoman who was the nurse for the Lindbergh baby and, for a time, the prime suspect in his kidnapping. Books will be available for sale and signing.
Saturday, April 12
2:30pm
Jackson Heights
35-51 81 Street
