The Friends of the Library of Long Island City now officially makes a difference.
The group is partnering with Queens Library to further strengthen the library services in its community. It is a non-profit organization that volunteers its time fundraising, raising awareness and setting up street fairs enabling people to sign-up for library cards.
“I am so honored to have sworn in the officers of the Long Island City Library’s first friends group,” said City Councilmember Jimmy Van Bramer. “Friends of Libraries provide an invaluable service for our local community libraries and Long Island City Library is fortunate to have a great group of friends behind them.”
Tifanny Capella, President of The Friends of the Long Island City Library, crocheted the pink ribbons that were given out to the individuals showing support.
“I decided to join the Friends because I really want to help the library. With all the budget cuts it gets harder for the staff to provide the services that this community needs,” said Capella. “With a friends group we can help by fundraising and creating programs that will help the people that visit the library.”
Thomas W. Galante, Queens Library CEO, said that Friends can enable the library to have an even more profound impact on the community.
“Queens Library has so much to offer the community,” said Galante. “Our Friends extend what the library staff can do, by bringing their own talents and interests to share with their neighbors, and by helping others appreciate what a valuable asset the library is.”
Capella said that her lifelong love of books makes working to improve libraries a natural fit and that she would like to start fundraising as soon as possible.
“I would like to see a better selection of books because I love reading. I would also like to have book clubs for kids and teens to promote reading,” she said. “I want more programs to try and help the community and try to get more of the community to help the library.”
Those interested in joining the Friends of the Library can contact their local library for more information. There is a $5 membership fee.
Queens Library is an independent, not-for-profit corporation and is not affiliated with any other library. For more information about programs, services, locations, events and news visit the Queens Library web site at www.queenslibrary.org or call 718-990-0700.
