Strong libraries = strong communities. Library lovers across Queens spoke up to support library funding and I am so pleased to announce that the proposed budget cut was restored. Your library will remain open 5+ days a week.
We thank our elected officials, including the entire New York City Council, led by Speaker Christine C. Quinn, as well as Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, for prioritizing public libraries this year. We want to recognize Councilmember Domenic M. Recchia, Jr., chair of the Finance Committee; Councilmember Jimmy Van Bramer, chair of the Cultural Affairs & Libraries Committee; Deputy Majority Leader Leroy Comrie; and Councilmember Vincent Gentile, chair of the Select Committee on Libraries, for their outstanding leadership, as well as the entire Queens delegation to the City Council. We also owe our gratitude to our many stalwart Library champions, including Borough President Helen M. Marshall.
I also want to thank all the Friends of the Library and library advocates around the borough who signed the petitions, held rallies, wrote postcards, and made their voices heard. Without your energy, the future might not look as bright.
And the future does look bright. Queens Library is open to provide all those essential community services you rely on: computers and Wi-Fi, books and movies, homework help, job search assistance, consumer health information, classes, music, intelligent conversation and simply a great place to visit.
Our newest offerings include downloadable e-magazines and downloadable audiobooks. The new library in Glen Oaks is already serving the community. A new library in north Flushing will open this summer. Your Queens Library is working hard to enrich your life.
Thomas W. Galante,
President and CEO, Queens Library
