Councilmember Eric Ulrich joined Queens Library CEO Thomas Galante, State Senator Shirley Huntley and members of the local Sikh community for two events last week at the Queens Library at Broad Channel.
The first event was the unveiling of the library’s new customer self check-in machine, which allows residents to return materials at any time of day, even when the library is closed.
“Broad Channel Library is now one of the first libraries in the borough to have this technology,” said Ulrich. “Local residents can avoid long lines and return materials at any time, day or night. This is a good investment in the community and just another example of tax dollars well spent.”
The self check-in kiosk is part of the library’s ongoing customer service initiative intended to eliminate long lines and give customers expanded access to the library. Broad Channel is one of the first libraries in Queens to receive this new technology, which was funded by $190,000 the Councilmember secured in last year’s budget. The external kiosk provides 24-hour access for material returns, and provides customers with receipts to document the returns.
“Thanks to Councilman Ulrich’s support, the community has expanded access to return materials at Queens Library at any time, day or night, and with complete confidence,” said Galante. “It’s a leap forward in customer service.”
Following that event, Ulrich and Galante joined Jagir Bains and other members of the local Sikh community for the presentation of dozens of books, DVDs and pamphlets about the religion to Queens Library at Broad Channel, as part of an awareness project. The project, which has now donated materials to 47 out of the 62 Queens Library locations, is intended to increase the availability of information on Sikh culture, history and religion to library-goers.
For information about the Sikh Awareness Project, contact Bains at 212-380-8571.
