The city’s executive budget has been released. It proposes a cut to Queens Library of $29.6 million, part of a proposed cut to libraries citywide of $100 million.
If that proposal becomes reality, the impact on library service hours and the number of job layoffs are unthinkable. Our representatives in City Hall and the City Council value libraries. Nevertheless, the proposed cut is enormous. Elected officials have limited revenue resources and tough choices to make.
It is up to the people of Queens to show the Council and City Hall that library hours and jobs are critical to this city. Queens libraries need your help. Go to savequeenslibrary.org. You will be able to sign our petition and send an e-mail to your elected representatives.
Or, stop in at any library and sign the paper petition or write a postcard. Tens of millions of our neighbors use free library resources or attend free library programs. They enjoy quiet reading time, sharpen their skills for their next job, use computers, prepare for an exam for work or school, find out about a health condition or e-mail a friend far away. To do that, libraries must remain open for service at least five days a week or more.
As we speak with our elected officials, we will also be talking about how critical a stable funding stream is for libraries in the future. We need to be able to better plan for the library services you need year to year and be assured of being able to buy books for the shelves.
For now, I hope I can count on everyone to speak up for Queens Library. You need your library. Right now, your library needs you.
Thomas W. Galante
Chief Executive Officer
Queens Library
Jamaica
