Queens Library - ranked #1 in circulation of any library in the United States - lent 2,054,870 items in March 2008.
A staggering number, that is more than ever before in any single month on record.
Last month, more than 200,000 people used the library’s public use computers for their personal e-mail, research, school or business work, and 27,000 people came to free educational, cultural and literary programs.
There were free tax preparations, computer classes, music and dance performances, art lectures by the Museum of Modern Art, computer workshops, children’s programs, chess, any number of crafts, health and wellness programs.
Queens Library embraces more than 7,000 children and teens every day for homework help and after school services. These programs are invaluable for the educational development of our youth and the future of this city. As a father of two children, I know the value of knowing that kids are in a safe learning environment after school.
Millions of reference questions are answered by knowledgeable librarians.
Some information saves people time. Some information helps with a homework assignment. Some undoubtedly saves lives.
Then there is the value of the business information provided to small businesses, the wireless internet access, health care referrals, basic education for adults, English for Speakers of Other Languages, a social hub and 62 safe, comfortable community libraries. The list goes on and on.
April 13 to 19 is National Library Week. Stop in and enrich your life.
We are here to serve you.
Thomas W. Galante is the Library Director, Queens Library.
