New York

On May 20th, Council Member Peter F. Vallone Jr. visited the Steinway Library to sign a petition calling on the Mayor to restore the $29.6 million in funding the City plans to cut from Queens Library’s budget.

The budget cuts would result in the closure of 36 of the 62 libraries in Queens and would eliminate roughly half of the borough’s library access.The Steinway Library is currently having a “mock closing,” with yellow caution tape placed across book shelves as an indication of the likely effects of the budget cuts.

During his time in the Council, Vallone has allocated millions of dollars to renovate and upgrade technological services in the libraries in his district and has continuously fought the City to keep libraries open six days a week. The Council Member also called for sex offenders to be banned from children’s rooms in libraries and funded security cameras at both the Steinway and Astoria Libraries.

*“It’s ridiculous that the City is trying to decimate one of the most utilized library systems in the country,” *said Council MemberVallone.

*“Queens is a diverse and growing borough, and we need more library service – not half as much” .

*“Tens of millions of our neighbors use free library resources or attend free library programs. They enjoy quiet reading time, sharpen their skills for their next big job, use the computers, prepare for an important exam for work or school, find out more about a health condition or email a friend far away. To do that, libraries must remain open for service at least five days a week or more,” said Thomas W. Galante, President and CEO, Queens Library.

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