One of the most critical back-to-school needs is absolutely free: a Queens Library card.
More than lunch kits, the latest sneakers, colorful notebooks or calculators, a free Queens Library card helps students reach their potential and encourages individual learning now and for their whole lives. Every family can afford it. Every one in the family will benefit from it.
Parents, while you are checking to see that your young scholars have everything they need to get the right start in the new school year, ask about their library cards. If they do not have one, apply at any Queens Library or online at queenslibrary.org or ask for one at your child’s school.
Queens Library will be there every day after school in every neighborhood to assist with homework, research projects, small group tutoring and English language learning. There are computers to use in the library and separate teen areas. We will also be hosting enrichment programs that children look forward to: art, hands-on science explorations, poetry slams, gaming and dance contests.
Every library in Queens is open Monday through Friday with at least two evenings a week. Many are open Saturday and the Central Library is open seven days a week.
Queens Library has rich resources for adults, too. You will find books, videos, job search assistance, health information, computer workshops, performing arts and literary programs in many languages, hobbies — the variety is endless.
Families need free library service now more than ever. Thanks to the support of over 100,000 Queens Library advocates, and a lot of hard work by Mayor Michael Bloomberg, City Council Speaker Christine Quinn (D-Manhattan) and the whole Council, we can continue to enrich lives in every community we serve.
We are grateful for the incredible support shown to Queens Library this year. Thank you. I look forward to seeing you at Queens Library.
Thomas W. Galante
CEO
Queens Library
Jamaica
