By Tom Nicholson
The restoration campaign announcement was made by Community Board 5 member Vincent Arcuri Jr., the Queens Library Foundation's vice president.
“In the shelves of this library are all the words of the world that can help someone develop into a mast builder, an artist, the creator of a new masterpiece,” Arcuri said. “I have been a member of this library since childhood. It must continue to provide a haven for generations to come, a place where the community can read and learn in a warm, embracing atmosphere.”
Joanne King, the Queens Borough Public Library assistant public relations director, said the Glendale branch is an architectural treasure.
The building has a Spanish tile roof, medallions depicting literary giants, and a replica frieze from the Davanzatti Palace in Florence, Italy. Outside are gardens, a fountain, a statue and a courtyard, King said.
Chapin said the Glendale Branch Library opened in 1937, though members of the Mother's Club of PS 67 pushed for a library in the Glendale community as early as 1911.
“They fought long and hard for a library in their neighborhood and cared enough to pay the $5 monthly rental themselves,” Chapin said. “Today, we need to provide for a modern library while restoring the historic beauty of an architectural jewel.”
Those who want to help may call the Queens Library Foundation at 718-480-4273.
The Queens Borough Library has 16.8 million items in circulation and attendance of more than 16 million people per year. It is the largest circulation of any public library in the country, King said.
Reach Reporter Tom Nicholson by e-mail at news@timesledger.com or by calling 718-229-0300, Ext. 157.
