Con Edison Reading Room Now Open
Queens Farm all-new Con Edison Reading Room is now open to the public. This new programming was made possible with the generous support of Con Edison.
The Con Edison Reading Room was originally built as a “summer kitchen” and most recently was used for the farm’s tomato storage. Today, this vibrant space is open year-round for visitors to cozy up with a book or magazine on the farm. The space features over 250 books and toys related to cooking, gardening, the environment, health and wellness, animals, farming, science and NYC history – all thematically tied to the mission of the Queens County Farm Museum. There is something for everyone! These books, both fiction and nonfiction, are for all ages including the farm’s youngest visitors. The Queens Public Library and Penguin Random House Foundation are program supporters as well. Queens Library provided space planning expertise and will provide access to the library’s online collection. The Penguin Random House Foundation donated a starter set of books.
Beginning May 27, 2021, the Con Edison Reading Room will be open daily, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm, except for a handful of holidays and special admission days. Daily admission to the farm is free. Access to the Con Edison Reading Room is free as well. For now, due to Covid-19, one pod at a time will be permitted in the reading room to select books and toys. Outdoor seating around the structure has been set up for visitors. The Con Edison Reading Room offers a restful place even for telecommuters. Queens Farm’s farm store sells coffee, tea, hot cocoa and other farm treats to add to the visitor experience.
“We are very thankful for Con Edison’s support,” stated Jennifer Walden Weprin, Executive Director of the Queens County Farm Museum. “Con Edison’s charitable contributions facilitate meaningful community development. As a site of environmental stewardship, arts & culture and education, Queens Farm and Con Edison have a shared vision of sustainability and vibrancy for New York City. The Con Edison Reading Room will expand Queens Farm’s capacity to reach new audiences and engage farm visitors in a new way.”
“The Con Edison Reading Room will offer visitors a great way to learn more about topics such as the environment, sustainability, farming and cooking as part of their experience at the only continuously farmed land in New York City. We’re proud of our long standing partnership with Queens County Farm Museum, adding the new reading room to our longstanding sponsorship of the annual corn maze,” said Stuart Nachmias, President and CEO of Con Edison Transmission.
“It has been a pleasure to work with Queens Farm to support a collection that reflects its mission and inspires its patrons to understand and appreciate the borough’s agricultural heritage, and its history,” said Queens Public Library Chief Librarian Nick Buron. “I congratulate Executive Director Jennifer Walden Weprin and Con Edison on the completion of the reading room, and look forward to becoming a regular visitor.”
As New York City emerges from Coivd-19 restrictions, Queens Farm will launch pre-school programming in the Con Edison Reading Room. The farm’s youngest visitors can enjoy the enrichment with their grown-ups.
Queens County Farm Museum is located at 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Floral Park NY 11004. Visitor information and Covid-19 guidelines can be found at queensfarm.org.
