Smalls describes Langston Hughes collections

It is Queens Public Library's highest responsibility to encourage and support exploration and learning, enabling people to grow and gain a deeper understanding of the world.

In this effort, all QPL services, including our vast collection, are free, open to the public, and accessible.

We offer more than 50 digital research databases, including the New York Times Digital Collection, Fiero Learning, LinkedIn Learning, and America's Voice Project.

In addition, we offer specialized print collections, which reside at the library branch I oversee, as well as our central library.

The Langston Hughes Community Library and Culture Center was established in 1969 through a grassroots movement and it's home to the Black Heritage Reference Center for Queens County.

The center stands as a testament to the richness and depth of Black history

with its extraordinary collections representing diverse subjects, including African history, the African diaspora, slavery, civil rights movements, critical race theory, racism, African American art, and much more.

We have encyclopedias, primary source documents, and writings by prominent figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and Barack Obama.

At the Langston Hughes Library, we are fortunate to have collections that showcase the everlasting impact the legendary Harlem Renaissance writer and activist had on society.

These include the Langston Hughes Collection, a public circulating collection featuring materials written by and about the prolific writer and poet Laurette.

The Langston Hughes Art Collection, a non-circulating collection comprised of prints, posters, paintings, African textiles, kente cloths, and African sculptures.

And the Adele Cohen Music Collection, which contains lyrics, librettos, and other original works by Langston Hughes set to music.