By Bill Parry
The Queens Library’s board of trustees voted unanimously to dismiss President and CEO Tom Galante, who is being investigated by the FBI, federal prosecutors and the city Department of Investigations for alleged misuse of funds.
The vote was made by a show of hands in a tense meeting in the conference room at Jamaica Central Library late Wednesday night.
An argument among trustees broke out soon after the vote and reporters were escorted from the room as the board returned to executive session behind closed doors.
“This evening, the board of trustees heard a report by counsel,” the board said in a statement. “Based on that and a prior report by counsel, a decision was made to terminate immediately Mr. Galante’s employment. As the library moves forward, the board of trustees will continue working to ensure greater transparency and the proper administration of the library and its funds in furtherance of its mission. Queens Library will continue to provide outstanding value to the people of Queens.”
Galante had been placed on indefinite leave in September, after his alleged misuse of funds came to light, but he was still being paid his $392,000 salary. Galante’s dismissal came after the trustees reviewed his expense accounts.
Borough President Melinda Katz, who used the power of her office to oust several rogue trustees from the board in July, said, “Tonight’s action further restores faith and trust in the management of the Queens Library. The reformed board of trustees continues to move the library in the right direction consistent with its educational purpose. Sunlight is the best disinfectant, and the dark days of this saga are finally behind us.”
Mayor de Blasio joined Katz in removing eight trustees from the library board.
Katz saluted the library’s staff and volunteers in each branch who “kept the day-to-day going even when all else was in flux.”
State Sen. Michael Gianaris (D-Astoria) worked with Assemblyman Jeffrion Aubry (D-Corona) to craft and pass legislation to rein in the excesses and provide a long-term blueprint for an efficient, transparent and accountable library system. Gov. Cuomo signed the Gianaris/Aubry bill into law in June.
“The board’s removal of Mr. Galante is an important step towards righting the ship of the Queens Library system and moving it towards a brighter future,” Gianaris said. “I am proud to have sponsored the new law that made this progress possible for a treasured institution that temporarily lost its way. I look forward to the day when Queens residents can again be proud of our libraries, and today we are one step closer.”
Reach reporter Bill Parry by e-mail at bparry@cnglocal.com or by phone at (718) 260–4538.
