By Mark Hallum
Queens Borough President Melinda Katz and Councilman Paul Vallone (D-Bayside) have announced funding for renovations to the Queens Library in Bay Terrace.
Katz said the allocation of $1.4 million would go toward funding the renovation. That amount is in addition to the $1.48 million provided by Vallone. With plans for a new roof, upgraded technology and a self-service check-in and check-out feature, the entire renovation is expected to cost $4 million, with no current timeline for completion.
“These are substantial investments for not only the long-awaited renovations at the Queens Library at Bay Terrace, but also for the families of Bay Terrace,” Katz said. “These necessary funds will allow for the completion of the capital upgrades and ensure the library remains up-to-date as a community hub of learning, literacy and culture.”
Katz, Vallone and Queens Library President and CEO Dennis Walcott made the announcement May 12 at the Bay Terrace Library and recognized the importance of libraries as essential educational aspects of a community.
“Northeast Queens’ libraries have faced a lack of financial support for years, but that has now changed. The Queens borough president’s and my funding will go a long way to improve and modernize the Bay Terrace Library so that the community can enjoy it for years to come,” Vallone said. “Our libraries provide us with an invaluable service and this project reflects my commitment to support our libraries, which is an investment for our entire community.”
“Bay Terrace Community Library is on its way toward becoming an up-to-date library that will serve the educational and informational needs of this community for many decades,” said Walcott.
Reach reporter Mark Hallum by e-mail at mhall
