The Queens Library’s shelves are filled with even more Chinese-language materials after a sizable donation by the China Overseas Exchange Association.
The Beijing group, in conjunction with its New York City-based partner, the Asian Cultural Media Group, donated 5,500 Chinese books and DVDs to the library, which already has an extensive catalog of Chinese materials, especially at its Flushing branch at 41-17 Main St.
The borough is home to 195,000 people whose first language is Chinese, making materials in those languages high-demand pieces.
The 4,000 books and 1,500 DVDs will be distributed throughout 34 library locations. The books include popular titles for adults, picture books and board books for children, and the DVDs include popular TV dramas, movies and documentaries.
“The donation comes at a particularly critical time, when budget shortages have forced the library to stop purchasing new materials,” the Queens Library system said in a statement.
Rupei Ma, deputy director general of the China Overseas Exchange Association joined with representatives of other cultural groups, state Sen. Toby Stavisky (D-Whitestone) and City Councilman Peter Koo (R-Flushing) Feb. 23 to present the titles.
— Connor Adams Sheets
