The Sunnyside Community Library got some special visitors recently.
City Councilmember Jimmy Van Bramer, City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn and Queens Library CEO Thomas Galante visited the Sunnyside branch and were greeted by grateful students who thanked the Councilmembers for limiting the budget cuts to the Queens libraries.
“Nothing means more than preserving the invaluable services and programs that enrich our communities,” said Van Bramer. “I am so proud that the historic budget restoration which we have fought hard to make possible will keep libraries open and such wonderful programming available for our communities.”
This year, the City Council restored $61 million in proposed cuts to the libraries staving off widespread closings and layoffs in the institution.
During the August 4 visit to the Sunnyside Community Library, students showed Van Bramer and Quinn what they’ve been working on this summer, including a teen “Book Slam” discussion and arts & crafts. In addition, the children presented them with letters of support that they had written and posters of thanks for keeping their libraries open.
“With the highest circulation in the United States, the Queens Public Library serves thousands of residents across the borough as a place for literacy, employment and community engagement,” said Quinn. “Preserving funding for this irreplaceable New York City resource sends the strong message that our city is providing crucial cultural services even in the toughest of times.”
