Matching funds grant for The Queens Library

A $100,000 challenge grant to help raise funds for The Queens Library programs and services was announced at the Main Street Flushing branch by library officials, bankers and lawmakers as school children from P.S. 24 applauded.
Joseph R. Ficalora, president of Queens County Savings Bank, and Thomas W. Galante, library director for The Queens Library, explained on Wednesday, November 1 that for every dollar donated to the Queens Library Foundation between November 1 and December 31 of this year, the Queens County Savings Bank will match it, dollar for dollar. Matching funds will be provided by the Richmond County Savings Foundation.
&#8220We are so fortunate to have the help of Mr. Ficalora. He has done a great, great job in serving our community,” said Helen Marshall, Queens Borough President. &#8220Mr. Ficalora is from here and he used to study at the library when he was younger, so his contribution means a lot to us here at The Queens Library. We are all very thankful for these funds and their generosity.”
Marshall and City Councilmember John Liu were on hand to receive Ficalora's personal $15,000 contribution to the fund, plus an additional $15,000 from The Selma and Max Kupferberg Foundation.
&#8220The Queens Library is a great institution that is leading the nation in service and innovation. Queens County Savings Bank is proud to partner with the Library in a $100,000 match campaign, which will help supply books and programs for those who live and work in Queens,” said Ficalora.
The Queens Library serves a population of 2.2 million in the most ethnically diverse county in the U.S.
&#8220Every dollar we raise for the next several weeks is worth twice as much, thanks to the generosity of Queens County Savings Bank,” said Galante. &#8220We will be able to put twice as many new books and videos on the shelves, schedule twice as many free enrichment programs and double the benefit to the community.”
Library supporters may contribute to the challenge grant at any Queens Library, any Queens County Saving Bank, or at www.queenslibraryfoundation.org.
&#8220We are so grateful for visionary supporters like Joe Ficalora and Queens County Savings Bank. They understand the tremendous value Queens Library provides, and they are encouraging the whole community to demonstrate their understanding as well,” said Diana Chapin, executive director of The Queens Library Foundation. &#8220Every gift, regardless of size, will help us reach our goal.”