The Queens Library is getting some much-need help from one of its biggest supporters.
Queens County Savings Bank, a division of New York Community Bank, has announced that it will match up to $100,000 in funds that are donated to the Queens Library Foundation, which would go towards purchasing new library books.
Joseph R. Ficalora, President and CEO of New York Community Bank, was expected to join Queens Library CEO Thomas W. Galante and Queens Library Foundation Executive Secretary Diana Chapin at the Flushing Branch of the Queens Library on Wednesday, June 3, to make the announcement.
“The Queens County Savings Bank Match is a wonderful example of how our community benefits when public and private entities work together,” Galante said. “We are very appreciative that Mr. Ficalora and Queens County Savings Bank have chosen Queens Library for their continued and generous support.”
The Queens Library, which serves more than 50,000 people every day in communities throughout the borough, is facing crippling budget cuts that could see their funding slashed by nearly $17 million this year. The Queens Library saw its funding cut by almost $10 million last year, and it hopes that the City Council will restore all or a significant portion of the proposed cuts for this year.
However, the library is already seeking help from the private sector in anticipation of having to plug the massive budget cuts. For the fourth year in a row, Queens County Savings Bank is matching dollar for dollar – up to $100,000 – public donations to the Queens Library Foundation. In addition to providing new books for youngsters, the funding will also be used to support adult and childhood education and teen workforce development.
“Queens Library needs a hand in these tough economic times, and this matching grant project is another in the long line of examples of the Queens County Savings Bank’s dedication to the community,” said Queens State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky. “It will mean a great deal to the people of Queens who rely on the library for education, English classes, reading groups and many more essential services.”
The public is invited to donate either through www.queenslibraryfoundation.org, or by going to any Queens Library or Queens County Savings Bank location. In all cases, the funds will be matched dollar-for-dollar.
