9 • TIMES, THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2014 LIBRARY BILL ON THE BRINK The man pictured at Assembly Approves Reform; Stalled In Senate session ends today, June 19, and as the Times Newsweekly went to press yesterday afternoon, June 18, it was uncertain whether the legislation would get a vote. Queens Borough President Melinda Katz and State Sen. Michael Gianaris—who partnered with Assemblyman Jeffrion Aubry in sponsoring the legislation—urged the State Senate to act in press releases issued last week. -SEE LIBRARY ON PG. 28- Thousands Secured For Repairs Funds Improvements At So. Queens Libraries Ozone Park library located at 92-24 Rockaway Blvd. After receiving extensive damage from Hurricane Sandy, the Peninsula library is expected to once again reopen its doors early next year. The funding from the Construction Grant Program will cover expenses for interior renovations including: handicapped accessible bathroom, by Robert Pozarycki The clock is ticking on state legislation aimed at providing greater oversight at the Queens Borough Public Library. Last Tuesday, June 10, the Assembly voted unanimously on a bill to institute a series of reforms at Queens Library, which has been under fire since earlier this year over the compensation of its president and CEO, Thomas W. Galante. The bill moved to the State Senate, where it has stalled. According to published reports, State Sen. Tony Avella—who recently joined the Independent Democratic Conference that shares Senate control with Republicans—blocked the legislation in favor of his own bill which, he claims, includes more stringent standards. However, the state legislature’s Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder secured over $700,000 through the Public Library Construction Grant Program to help renovate the Ozone Park public library and the Sandydamaged Peninsula library in Rockaway Beach. “Our libraries play an important role in educating our children and families,” said Assemblyman Phillip Goldfeder. “This additional grant funding will go a long way to improve our libraries and help cover the costs of some much needed renovations.” Goldfeder announced $582,654 was awarded to the Peninsula library located on Rockaway Beach Boulevard and $158,416 to the -SEE FUNDING ON PG. 28- CROOK SCORED $$$ AT F.H. GAME STORE right is wanted by police for recently robbing a Forest Hills video game store at gunpoint. Law enforcement sources said the stickup occurred at 10:20 a.m. on June 6 inside the Game Stop shop located at 107-27 71st Ave. Reportedly, the perpetrator—who is described as a 30- year-old male with a dark complexion, standing 6’2’-tall and weighing 210 lbs.— entered the location, displayed a firearm and removed $250 from an open safe located under the counter. After obtaining the cash, police said, the crook fled in an unknown direction. Officers from the 112th Precinct responded to the incident; no injuries were reported as a result of the caper. Authorities said the suspect was last seen wearing a blue baseball hat and a red jacket with white stripes on the sleeve. Anyone with information regarding the heist or the suspect’s whereabouts that could prove helpful is asked to contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-577-TIPS, by text message to 274637 (enter information, then the code TIP577) or online at www.nypdcrimestoppers.com. All calls and messages will be kept confidential. ©Times Newsweekly - 2014 - UNIDENT
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