By Howard Koplowitz
Thomas Galante, director of the Queens Library, said at a news conference at the library that the building's current roof is about 15 years old and although it is not deteriorating, the funding will allow the library to ward off damage. “It's more expensive than if you don't replace it,” Sanders said at the June 15 event.”We thank the councilman for protecting what we've done here,” Galante said, alluding to last year's renovation, which included new desks, computers, tables, furniture, carpet and self-service for checking out books.Daniel Nkansah, the library's branch manager, said that if rain were to seep through the roof, it could damage the new computers and he applauded the councilman's commitment to the library.”It's very tremendous and I know the community will appreciate it,” Nkansah said.Galante said the new roof should be in place “within a year.”With the branch's circulation up 40 percent from three years ago, according to Galante, Sanders said the library's expansion should be considered in the near future.”We need to think about going up to a second floor,” the councilman said as he pointed to the ceiling.Sanders also took the time to suggest Mayor Bloomberg restore full funding to the libraries, which under his proposed budget cuts may stop them from operating seven days a week.”Mr. Mayor, I urge you to hold the library sacred in the midst of budget cuts,” he said.Galante said that while the Queens Library system is the busiest in the country with 18.5 million items borrowed – or 42 percent of total items borrowed in the city – the borough only receives 26 percent of the funding allocated to libraries.Before making the formal announcement, Sanders held an impromptu reading session of a “Clifford the Big Red Dog” book with 5-year-old Annika Soleberry. He said the library plays a vital role in a child's development.”This is not just brick and mortar, but this is the place where stars are made,” he said, adding that through reading Soleberry may eventually acquire the skills be able to land on Mars or become the city's next mayor.Reach reporter Howard Koplowitz by e-mail at news@timesledger.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 173.By Howard KoplowitzCity Councilman James Sanders (D-Laurelton) presented a $335,000 check to the Laurelton Library last week so that the branch can construct a new roof.Thomas Galante, director of the Queens Library, said at a news conference at the library that the building's current roof is about 15 years old and although it is not deteriorating, the funding will allow the library to ward off damage. “It's more expensive than if you don't replace it,” Sanders said at the June 15 event.”We thank the councilman for protecting what we've done here,” Galante said, alluding to last year's renovation, which included new desks, computers, tables, furniture, carpet and self-service for checking out books.Daniel Nkansah, the library's branch manager, said that if rain were to seep through the roof, it could damage the new computers and he applauded the councilman's commitment to the library.”It's very tremendous and I know the community will appreciate it,” Nkansah said.Galante said the new roof should be in place “within a year.”With the branch's circulation up 40 percent from three years ago, according to Galante, Sanders said the library's expansion should be considered in the near future.”We need to think about going up to a second floor,” the councilman said as he pointed to the ceiling.Sanders also took the time to suggest Mayor Bloomberg restore full funding to the libraries, which under his proposed budget cuts may stop them from operating seven days a week.”Mr. Mayor, I urge you to hold the library sacred in the midst of budget cuts,” he said.Galante said that while the Queens Library system is the busiest in the country with 18.5 million items borrowed – or 42 percent of total items borrowed in the city – the borough only receives 26 percent of the funding allocated to libraries.Before making the formal announcement, Sanders held an impromptu reading session of a “Clifford the Big Red Dog” book with 5-year-old Annika Soleberry. He said the library plays a vital role in a child's development.”This is not just brick and mortar, but this is the place where stars are made,” he said, adding that through reading Soleberry may eventually acquire the skills be able to land on Mars or become the city's next mayor.Reach reporter Howard Koplowitz by e-mail at news@timesledger.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 173.
