6 THE QUEENS COURIER • MAY 28, 2015 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.queenscourier.com Queens Library CEO appeals for more city funding BY ROBERT POZARYCKI rpozarycki@queenscourier.com/@robbpoz With a little more than a month until the city’s budget deadline, the Queens Borough Public Library is urging elected offi cials to make a much-needed investment in its system. The Queens Library, along with the Brooklyn and New York public libraries, recently launched the “Invest in Libraries” campaign, which aims to engage New Yorkers in the debate and convince city lawmakers to provide an additional $65 million in combined funding in the 2016 fi scal year budget, which takes effect in July. Queens Library’s Interim President and CEO Bridget Quinn-Carey outlined the campaign in an exclusive interview with The Courier on May 21. The Queens Library seeks an $18.2 million funding boost from the city, a drop in the bucket in a budget projected to meet or exceed $70 billion. Should Queens Library receive the extra funding, Quinn-Carey claimed, it would restore the library’s funding level to that of 2008 and open the door toward adding more than 200 new jobs, expanding Photo courtesy of Queens Borough Public Library existing educational programs and restoring six-day Interim Queens Borough Public Library President and CEO service throughout the system. Since 2008, the library Bridget Quinn-Carey lost 20 percent of its funds, pared jobs and eliminated six-day service at two-thirds of its 62 branches. “This is really an investment not only in the traditional Quinn-Carey charged that increasing library funds library system but also community engagement,” is a concept that aligns with Mayor Bill de Blasio’s she said. “This is giving communities a efforts to increase economic opportunity for all New Yorkers. For instance, the extra funds would enable Queens Library to expand its English as a second language program, which was held at 40 branches and proved so popular that some potential students were turned away due to a lack of available seats. greater chance of success.” Additionally, the Queens Library is also seeking capital funds to renovate many aging, yet heavily used branches such as the Corona, Rego Park and Far Rockaway locations. De Blasio set aside $300 million in the city’s 10-year capital plan to renovate BUY DIRECT FROM THE MANUFACTURER FREE Measuring & Installation w/purchase of $100. with this ad. • Draperies • Vertical Blinds • Honeycomb Shades • Custom Window Shades • Mini Blinds Nobody Beats Our Prices! • Roman Shades • Balloon Shades • Swags & Jabots • Shutters • Upholstery • Radiator Covers • Table Pads UP TO 70% OFF LIST PRICE Free Interior Design Consultation $20 OFF with purchase of $200 or more *Not to be combined w/other offers. 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The library lost political and fi nancial support, and local elected offi cials such as Queens Borough President Melinda Katz sought to change the library’s board of trustees after it resisted calls to force Galante out of offi ce and fully open its fi nancial books. Legislation enacted by the state in June empowered Katz and de Blasio to remove eight library trustees who supported Galante and resisted calls for full fi nancial disclosure. The board of trustees was stocked with new members by September, when it forced Galante into a leave of absence. Quinn-Carey was named as his interim replacement, and Galante was subsequently fi red in December. Quinn-Carey said she and the reconstituted board are working closely with the government to reform the library system. It engaged audit fi rms to assess the library’s risks and expenses. Steps were also taken to make the library more transparent; the library is now in compliance with the Freedom of Information Law and posts expense records on its website. “These efforts and a reform of policies and procedures should reassure the public that the library is a great institution and still able to deliver these great services,” Quinn-Carey said. JOIN THE BEST POOL CLUB IN QUEENS! YOU DON’T HAVE TO LEAVE TOWN TO HAVE A GREAT SUMMER VACATION! Courtyard by Marriott LaGuardia All members invited to Grand Annual Pool Party POOL MEMBERSHIPS: • Family Membership - $1500 (Two adults & Two children) • Adults Membership - $649 • Child Membership - $299 (Age 2 years to 12 years) • Under 2 years of age - FREE • Includes use of the gym DON’T MISS OUT… SUMMER IS ALMOST HERE! Memberships are limited • Call Ellen Mastov - 718-308-4807 9010 Grand Central Pkwy • East Elmhurst, NY 11369 (90th Street & 23rd Ave) www.courtyardlaguardia.com
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