$6M for library improvements

The Queens delegation of the New York State Assembly has promised the Queens Library system an added $6 million for capital improvements – adding to a massive program to revamp customer service in libraries borough wide.
Over a three-year period, begun in September 2005, the Queens Library will add RFID (radio frequency identification) self-service checkout, new young adult sections, more books, videos, and music, new computer seating, and brighter paint and furnishings to all of the library’s 63 branches. The $6 million will be used throughout Queens.
Several libraries have already closed or are set to close for 10-week periods this summer, and 25 libraries in total will be redone during this fiscal year.
Library administrators thanked all 18 members of the Queens delegation for their participation in securing the funds.
&#8220The Queens Library system is the busiest in the world, and the libraries around Queens just can’t accommodate all the people who have to use them,” said Assemblyman Ivan Lafayette, dean of the Assembly Queens Delegation. &#8220Our schools are so crowded that our children use the library as an extension of school, to look up homework, to use the computers, to double check facts. All of this is really important.”
Lafayette said that the money came from the State budget, where funds are set aside every year for special projects throughout the state, and added that the Assemblypersons hoped to visit the libraries to see the money put to good use once changes are completed.
&#8220Hopefully we can work to get the money to the library as quickly as possible,” Lafayette said.