By Ivan Pereira
The Rosedale library branch opened its doors last week, sporting a better exterior and high-tech options to make checking out books more efficient. An additional grant by City Councilman James Sanders (D-Laurelton) will make sure the branch stays cool for visitors all year long.
The councilman presented Queens Public Library CEO Thomas Gallante with a $700,000 check last Thursday outside the branch at 144-20 243rd St., just one day after it completed major renovation to its interior. The grant will help pay for a new heat and air conditioning unit for the one-story branch along with new furniture, according to Gallante.
“A lot of my education has come from the library,” the councilman said.
Galante welcomed the additional funding to the branch, which opened on the same day the Baisley Park and Middle Village branches re-opened following major renovations. For several weeks, the Rosedale branch underwent significant construction to repaint its walls, install better lighting and make other improvements to its decor.
One of the most significant improvements was the installation of self-check-out machines, which allow borrowers to take out books just by placing them on a special scan counter.
“It helps speed up the checkout,” Gallante said.
Regular library users like Sophia Smith said they were impressed with the makeover.
“Before it was run-down and it needed an improvement,” she said.
Despite cuts from the city budget, Gallante said Queens Library plans to do more expansions for the branch in the future.
Reach reporter Ivan Pereira by e-mail at ipereira@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 146.
