Maltese loves libraries

“Our libraries are a tremendous resource and can give children from all walks of life the opportunity to not only become better readers, but also more successful students and lifelong learners,” Senator Serphin R. Maltese said.
He was speaking following recent visits with students at libraries within his district. These visits, part of a Library Lovers’ Month celebration, were to support student participation in the BOOST (Best Out of School Time) Program.
BOOST is an after-school program that operates in local community libraries within the Queens Library system and has a mission to enhance the academic and social skills of children ages six to 14, and promote greater appreciation for the library community.
“I enjoyed spending some time after school with these students and I look forward to visiting other libraries and communities in my district,” Maltese, who has visited Howard Beach, Richmond Hill, Maspeth and Ozone Park libraries, said.
Maltese took keepsake photos with the students in front of a life-size backdrop of the NYS Senate Chamber and provided them with a variety of brochures including the Empire State IQ test and New York State Facts and Fun.
According to Maltese, The Queensborough Public Library has the largest circulation in the country and serves the most culturally diverse county in the world. “As we celebrate ‘Library Lovers’ Month,’ I encourage everyone to visit their neighborhood branch and check out what is new,” he said.
The BOOST program is available to area residents from 3 to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. More information about the BOOST program can be accessed at www.QueensLibrary.org.