We have been reading and hearing about various reports and allegations concerning the Queens Public Library system leadership over the past several months.
Some of these assertions are quite serious and shocking. Although no one has been brought up on formal charges at this point, it seems apparent to me and others that more transparency and accountability is needed at this agency.
State Sen. Tony Avella (D-Bayside) is sponsoring legislation that will do just that (S.7015). He has incorporated the ideas of Borough President Melinda Katz as well as additional proposals of his own to ensure that the system will not come under a cloud of suspicion again in the future.
His legislation will also apply to the Brooklyn and New York public library systems.
I have read that Sen. Michael Gianaris (D-Astoria) and state Assemblyman Jeffrion Aubry (D-Corona) have proposed legislation as well regarding the system.
Apparently, their legislation does not go as far as it should in mandating change and reform in our library system as Avella’s proposal does.
With little time left to this legislative session, it is necessary for all involved to come to an agreement that should include opening up the library system’s financial books for an audit by city Comptroller Scott Stringer.
The agreement should also put in place other measures of oversight and transparency regarding the library’s board of trustees and the CEO who oversees this agency’s operations.
Henry Euler
Bayside
