History

1969: Opened for public service at 102-09 Northern Boulevard as a 'federally funded special project' of Queens Public Library through the Library Services and Construction Act, Title I funding in the former Woolworth Department Store 11,800 sq. ft. storefront.

1969-1987:  Langston Hughes operated by Board of Directors, Library Action Committee of Corona-East Elmhurst, Inc. under the auspices of Queens Public Library. Staffing consisted of community residents with one full-time librarian on loan from Queens Public Library.

1971: After-school Homework Assistance Program (HAP) launched with funding from NYC Youth Bureau.

1976: Cultural Arts Program was founded with funding from the NYS Council on the Arts and the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs.

1978: 'The Future Springs from the Past' mural painted by Susan Ortega and Kenrod Johnson through the City Arts Program was erected on an outdoor billboard-sized canvas.

1984: First Langston Hughes Kwanzaa Celebration and Langston Hughes Celebration held. The Collection Development Policy approved the Black Heritage Reference Center of Queens County.

1986: Langston Hughes received New York State Governor's Arts Award.

1987: Langston Hughes receives full branch status under Queens Public Library; Memorandum of Understanding signed between Board of Trustees of Queens Public Library and Board of Directors of Library Action Committee of Corona-East Elmhurst, Inc.

1989: 20th Anniversary Celebration held at LaDetente, East Elmhurst. 

1997: Ground-breaking ceremony for the new building at the corner of 100th Street and Northern Boulevard.

1999:  Langston Hughes relocates to 100-01 Northern Boulevard, new 24,000 sq. ft. building; 30th Anniversary Celebration held at Terrace on the Park, Corona-Flushing Meadows Park.

2012: Langston Hughes recognized by United for Libraries New York State Library Landmarks Register. 

2013: Nationally recognized as a Literary Landmark.

2015: Recipients of the NYC Neighborhood Library Award

2019: 50th Anniversary Celebration held at World's Fair Marina Restaurant & Banquet, Queens, NY.

2021: Langston Hughes Library was named a finalist for the National Medal for Museum and Library Service.