Expect $2M In Library Funds

In the soon-to-be-passed state budget, Queens libraries are set to get an extra $2 million — approximately a third more than last year — to improve service, purchase new materials and fund capital construction projects.
Included in that is $600,000 that will be realized when Queens’ allocation becomes based on numbers from the 2000 Census, rather than the 1990 census.
“The 2006-2007 New York State budget includes an increase in state aid to Queens Library of almost $2 million,” said Library Director Thomas W. Galante. “We thank our state elected officials for this much-needed funding.”
Bringing the library’s aid from $6 to $8 million, the budget allocates an additional $765,000 in operating support that will provide for the purchase of additional materials. The last increase in state aid came in 1990.
“The last time that Queens Library State aid increased was in 1990, and inflation has eroded 50% of our buying power since then,” said Galante. “This much-needed increase in State aid, an increase of 30 percent, will allow us to purchase more books and other library materials and improve our facilities.”
The State legislature passed a $3 million increase for library systems statewide, of which Queens Library will receive $165,000.
In addition, with total capital needs borough-wide at approximately $450 million, the $1.2 million annually for construction projects in libraries will assist in funding improvements for facilities. This will include redecorating, installing wireless Internet and RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology, and providing 24-hour book drops.
The first branches to begin construction this summer will be Jackson Heights, Woodside, and Maspeth, followed by Hillcrest, Pomonok, Forest Hills, St. Albans, Briarwood, and Broadway. Upgrades on all libraries in Queens are expected to be completed within three years.