4 libraries granted makeovers

Four Queens library branches have been awarded over $1.2 million in construction funds to renovate their interiors Assemblymember Audrey Pheffer announced recently.
The grants are from a special allocation of $14 million in capital funds for public library construction provided by the New York State Legislature in the 2007-2008 State Budget.
The branches and their specific allocations are:
Bay Terrace in Bayside ($430,321), McGoldrick in Flushing ($200,000), Seaside in Rockaway Park ($200,000), and Sunnyside in Long Island City ($400,000) for a total of $1,230,321.
Public library construction grants help library systems to create additions, update electrical wiring to accommodate computer technology, meet standards of energy efficiency, renovate facilities to provide wheelchair accessible entrances and lavatories to provide full accessibility to library users with disabilities, and provide meeting rooms to accommodate community needs.
James Van Bramer, Director of Government and Community Affairs for Queens Library was grateful for the support from the state. “We are thrilled with the funding and support we have received from the state assembly and the Queens delegation. Assemblymember Catherine Nolan and Assemblymember Audrey Pheffer have been terrific supporters of the Queens Library,” Van Bramer said.
The first branch up for repairs will be Sunnyside where a full-scale renovation of the library that will take place over the summer months.
Edi from Bayside thinks that Bay Terrace can improve on one thing and that is the PC’s. “Computers, they need more computers. There is always a wait. I bring my daughter here to do homework and we have to wait a long time to use the computer,” she said.
The Queens Library system is an independent, not for profit organization. It is not affiliated with The New York Public Library system. The Queens Library system is currently the highest-circulating public library system in the United States. In FY 2007, there were 21 million items circulated. In October, the library extended all of it’s locations to be open for a minimum of six days. There are currently six branches operating seven days a week.