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Queens Libraries Receive $14M For Improvements

By Ewa Kern-Jedrychowska | August 3, 2015 2:54pm
 Borough President Melinda Katz allocated $14 million for library upgrades.
Borough President Melinda Katz allocated $14 million for library upgrades.
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QUEENS — A dozen libraries throughout Queens will get $14 million for renovations and technology upgrades, Borough President Melinda Katz announced Monday.

“The millions of families who rely on the Queens Library services deserve nothing less than a world-class library system,” Katz said in a statement.

The allocation, which comes from Katz's discretionary funds for 2016, includes $3.8 million for the expansion of the Arverne branch. 

The library at Baisley Park will receive $3.5 million for interior renovations and the Flushing branch will get $2.75 million for a second elevator.

Another $2.2 million will pay for an exterior façade and multi-purpose room renovations at the Queens Library at St. Albans.

The Queens Library at Ozone Park will receive $800,000 for a roof replacement and $500,000 will be allocated to upgrade the heating and air-conditioning system at the Douglaston/Little Neck branch.

Several branches will also receive security cameras, including the libraries at Bay Terrace, Douglaston/Little Neck, East Flushing, Rosedale, South Ozone Park, Steinway and Woodhaven. 

“This capital allocation will help ensure the Queens Library branches remain up-to-date and better able to serve its educational purpose as a community hub of learning, literacy and culture," Katz said.

The list of needs was submitted to the Borough President's office by the Queens Library.

"The library makes funding requests based on the needs that we see in the area," said Joanne King, a spokeswoman for the library. "It's an overall capital program to make sure that the buildings are in a state of good repair and they are secure." 

Last year, Katz did not allocate any capital funds to the library, which was then run by Thomas Galante who was accused of widespread financial mismanagement. He was fired in December.