Library Foundation wins in fundraising challenge

More than $300,000 was donated to the Queens Library Foundation (QFL) through the Library’s latest fundraising campaign - a “challenge match” fundraising event - with Queens County Savings Bank. Queens County Savings Bank pledged to match donations up to $100,000 from November 1 to December 31, 2006.
“Thanks to our donors’ generosity and the great partnership with Queens County Savings Bank, we now have more than $300,000 to spend on new books on the shelves, and schedule free enrichment and educational programs,” said Queens Library Director Thomas Galante.
The first $100,000 of the funds is restricted to after-school programming for children; the Teen ’Net Program, through which young adults are given jobs to help library patrons use computers; and adult education programs, including English as a Second Language (ESL) training. The rest of the money is “unrestricted,” so that it can be directed to programming most in need of funding, said Peter Wayne, Associate Director for the QLF.
“We are so grateful for visionary supporters like Joe Ficalora [President of Queens County Savings Bank] and Queens County Savings Bank. They understand the tremendous value Queens Library provides, and they encouraged the whole community to demonstrate their understanding as well,” said Diana Chapin, Executive Director of the QLF. “Every gift, regardless of size, is making a difference for those who use our local community libraries.”
As of the start of February 2007, donations and pledges totaled $300,931 from 1,734 donors - with $100,000 from Richmond County Savings Foundation and another $100,000 from Queens County Savings Bank. The money was collected at all of Queens Library’s 63 locations, 34 Queens County Savings Bank offices, and via direct mail and online donations.