State Sen. Mike Gianaris at the announcement of the funding on Wednesday (Senator Mike Gianaris)
Aug. 14, 2019 By Shane O’Brien
State Sen. Mike Gianaris has announced $10,000 in state budget funding for equipment at the Queensbridge Public Library Tech Lab.
Gianaris announced the funding on Wednesday at the library Tech Lab at 10-43 41st Ave. in Long Island City.
The funding will go toward securing new computers and other equipment at the lab. The funds will also be used to pay for additional literacy classes.
Gianaris said that teaching people how to use computers was a crucial skill in the current job market. “Promoting digital literacy is indispensable as we prepare our community for today’s job market,” Gianaris said. “I am pleased to help our neighbors develop the skills they need to succeed in this economy.”
“The Queensbridge Tech Lab has become an essential resource for people who want to develop the high-demand skills needed in today’s job market,” said Dennis Walcott, President and CEO of Queens Public Libraries “This money will go a long way towards helping narrow the digital divide in the borough.”
Queensbridge Public Library celebrated its 70th anniversary this July. It was initially a library branch and family literary center in 1949, before it was converted into a full tech lab in 2017 to increase digital literacy in the Queensbridge area.
Gianaris also announced other state funding for community groups, including $58,000 for the Jacob Riis Settlement House, $30,000 for the Gantry Parent Association, $13,000 for Sunnyside Community Services, $13,000 for Hunters Point Middle School, and $20,000 for Immigrant Families Together.
