Queens Library is No. One in U.S.

A recent report has once again ranked Queens Library number one in the United States on the basis of its sheer volume of loaning out materials.
The ranking was given through the Public Library Date Services (PLDS) Public Library Statistical Report 2008. Queens Library received their number one ranking for having the highest circulation during the 2007 fiscal year. During that time, it lent out 21,033,861 items.
During 2007, there were more than 15 million people who went to a Queens Library branch.
“High circulation demonstrates what we see at Queens Library every day: people use their libraries to enrich their lives,” said Queens Library Director Thomas W. Galante. “Good library service is especially valuable when people are looking for jobs and do-it-yourself solutions to everyday challenges. It’s all here at your Queens Library, and it’s all free.”
The history of Queens Library dates back to 1858 when the first branch was created in Flushing. It started off as working on a subscription basis, but became a circulation library in 1884.
Since its inception, Queens Library has expanded a great deal. It now has 62 locations, along with seven adult learning centers and two family literacy centers.
The library system currently serves 2.2 million people. For 2008, the total amount of items that it has in circulation is 22.8 million.
Along with its collection that is in circulation, Queens Library holds various events throughout the year, presenting about 22,000 in 2007. They have programs that assist with adult learning and others directed towards new Americans. The library also offers services specifically for children and young adults.
For more information on Queens Library, visit www.queenslibrary.org or call 718-990-0700.