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QUEENS LIBRARY AT BROADWAY RE-OPENS

JAMAICA, NY, June 12, 2009 -- Library Journal named Queens Library its 2009 Library of the Year. The announcement was made on the steps of New York’s City Hall by Francine Fialkoff, Library Journal's Editor-in-Chief and John N. Berry III, Editor-at-Large. It is the cover story of the publication’s June 15, 2009 issue. They were joined on the podium by leaders of City government. “Library of the Year” is an annual awards program of Library Journal, sponsored by Gale, part of Cengage Learning. Queens Library is one of New York City's three independent public library systems.

According to John N. Berry III in the article appearing in Library Journal, the recognition was given for the “abililty of the managers and staff to provide an incredibly diverse set of services and continue the constant modernization of the 62 libraries. Their sustained commitment to library service that truly improves the lives of everyone in the borough is what makes the Queens Library so strong.”

Queens Library CEO Thomas W. Galante said, “For homework help, for assistance in finding a job, to prepare to take a professional licensing exam or the citizenhip test, to learn English or to find a healthcare provider that will give a free mammogram and who also speaks Russian – that’s why the community relies on Queens Library. I hope that we will be able to continue providing innovative, award-winning library services and that the doors to Queens Library will remain open for service a minimum of six days a week.”

View a video detailing some of Queens Library’s award-winning programs at http://tinyurl.com/mbn4pd

Patrick C. Sommers, president of Gale said, “Gale is proud to support libraries through the Library Journal/Gale Library of the Year Award. Each year we are impressed by the important work libraries are doing in their communities, and this year is no exception. I have had the pleasure of working closely with Queens Library for many years and they have always been innovative and creative in their outreach to their community with efforts such as the New Americans Program and the Teen Empowerment Initiative. We applaud the Queens Library for their hard work and commitment to their community, providing the tools, programs and support to get the most out of their library experience.”

Special mentions for Library of the Year were also given to Columbus Metropolitan Library, OH; Hoover Public Library, AL and River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester, NY because they “feature the service philosophy and dedication to community that signify a Library of the Year.” The award will be given formally at a reception in Chicago in July, during the annual conference of the American Library Association.


Library Journal is the oldest and most respected publication covering the library field. Considered to be the “bible” of the library world, Library Journal is read by over 100,000 library directors, administrators, and staff in public, academic, and special libraries. It is the single-most comprehensive publication for librarians, with groundbreaking features and analytical news reports covering technology, management, policy, and other professional concerns. Its hefty review sections evaluate nearly 7000 books annually, along with hundreds of audiobooks, videos, databases, web sites, and systems that libraries buy. For more information, visit www.libraryjournal.com.

Queens Library is an independent, not-for-profit corporation and is not affiliated with any other library. The Queens Library serves a population of 2.2 million in the most ethnically diverse county in the U.S. With a record 22.8 million items in circulation for FY 2008, the Library has the highest circulation of any public library system in the U.S. and one of the highest circulations in the world. For more information about programs, services, locations, events and news, visit the Queens Library Web site at www.queenslibrary.org or phone 718-990-0700. Queens Library. Enrich Your Life ®.

Cengage Learning delivers highly customized learning solutions for colleges, universities, professors, students, libraries, government agencies, corporations and professionals around the world. Gale, part of Cengage Learning, serves the world's information and education needs through its vast and dynamic content pools, which are used by students and consumers in their libraries, schools and on the Internet. It is best known for the accuracy, breadth and convenience of its data, addressing all types of information needs - from homework help to health questions to business profiles - in a variety of formats. For more information, visit www.cengage.com or www.gale.com.

 
Sen. Malcolm A. Smith; Board of Trustees President Mary Ann Mattone; Library CEO Thomas W. Galante

QUEENS LIBRARY RECOGNIZES SEN. MALCOLM A. SMITH
AS "LIBRARY CHAMPION"

JAMAICA, NY, June 4, 2009 -- At its recent annual recognition event, the Board of Trustees of the Queens Library presented its Library Champion Award to the Hon. Malcolm A. Smith. The award was presented by Board President Mary Ann Mattone. Sen. Smith represents the 14th district and serves as the Senate Majority Leader.

Each year, the Board of Trustees gives the Library Champion Award to an elected official who has demonstrated outstanding support of and commitment to the Queens Library. The engraved medallion is a token of the library's appreciation. With support from its elected officials, Queens Library is able to enrich more lives every day. Past recipients include City Councilmember Leroy Comrie, Borough President Helen Marshall, and Assemblymember Cathy Nolan.

In making the presentation, Ms. Mattone spoke about Sen. Smith's support for the library in obtaining state aid based on corrected census data. The updated census figures enabled the library to receive an additional $600,000 per year.

Ms. Mattone said, "Majority Leader Smith has made great strides in ensuring a better future for the people of Queens by allocating millions of dollars to improve education, which includes our libraries."

QUEENS LIBRARY RANKS #1 IN U.S. -- AGAIN
With Computer Chips or Potato Chips: Library Feeds Borough's Needs;
Usage Expected to Skyrocket as Economic Woes Drag On

JAMAICA, NY, August 1, 2008 -- According to the just-released "PLDS Public Library Statistical Report 2008," Queens Library topped U.S. public library circulation in FY 07 with 21,033,861 items lent. Multnomah County Public Library (OR) circulated the second highest number: 19,589,530.

Preliminary numbers for the recently-completed FY 2008 confirm the #1 ranking, and broke another U.S. record. Queens Library's circulation was more than 22.8 million. Public library usage is expected to rise dramatically in the coming months. Traditionally, people turn to public libraries during hard economic times for free entertainment, free after-school child care, to help with employment, for free access to the public use computers and to help them save money by doing things themselves, such as home and auto repairs. Queens Library saw a 16% jump in circulation and attendance immediately following Sept. 11, for instance.

Queens Library counts extensive outreach to the community as part of its service plan. Cultivating teens has library users has a particular focus in the last couple of years, with separate teen spaces being added to most library locations. New immigrants and seniors are also important target audiences.

MARY ANN MATTONE ELECTED PRESIDENT OF QUEENS LIBRARY'S BOARD OF TRUSTEES
 

JAMAICA, NY, February 1, 2008 -- Mary Ann Mattone has been elected President of Queens Library’s Board of Trustees. This continues a distinguished career in community service and volunteerism dedicated to improving the lives of New Yorkers. Mrs. Mattone is also a member of the Queens Library Foundation’s Board of Directors and has co-chaired three of its annual gala fund-raisers.

"Mary Ann Mattone is an important and vital member of the Queens Library Board of Trustees. She has consistently given of her time and talents to enhance our ability to provide first-rate library service to the people of Queens. I know that she will continue to demonstrate leadership and a passion for the people of Queens in her new role as President and I look forward to working with her in taking the Queens Library to even greater levels of achievement," noted Library Director Thomas W. Galante.

A native New Yorker, Mrs. Mattone was graduated as a Registered Nurse from Lenox Hill School of Nursing and earned her Bachelors degree in Psychology from Marymount College. She earned a Masters degree in Public Health from Columbia University.

Her varied and interesting career includes living abroad as an English teacher; posts such as Research Coordinator for adult neuroendocrine studies in depression and schizophrenia for Dr. Edward J. Sachar, Chairman of Psychiatry at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Director of Psychiatry at Bronx Municipal Hospital; Acting Director of Nursing and Co-Director of the Child Depression Clinic of Columbia University at New York State Psychiatric Institute.

The co-author of 26 scientific articles in the field of psychiatric research while affiliated with Columbia University, Mrs. Mattone left academic life for a few years to work as a broker on Wall Street, where she gained financial experience. She subsequently joined the family real estate business, and used that knowledge to manage various multi-unit properties and coordinating renovations and building conversions to condominiums in the New York, New Jersey and Connecticut areas.

Mrs. Mattone has been involved in a number of philanthropic pursuits. She served as vice president, treasurer and president of the Ladies’ Auxiliary of the Columbus Citizens Foundation; she was Mayor Giuliani’s representative at the Queens Botanical Garden and was an active fundraiser for them; she was appointed by the Mayor as a member of the Cultural Advisory Board of the City of New York until 2002. She is an active member of the Foundation of York College and the Italian Cultural Center of St. John’s University. In addition, she volunteers time or raises money for educational and Italian cultural organizations, Special Olympics, St. Vincent/Catholic Medical Center, the Queens Parks Department, Ozanam Hall Nursing Home, abused and at-risk youth, the frail elderly, and has participated in outreach programs for the Don Monti Research Foundation at North Shore University Hospital providing treatment and support services for children and adults suffering from cancer.

The Mattones enjoy the "blessings and challenge" of an extended family of 8 children and 27 grandchildren. They reside in Douglaston, New York.

The Board of Trustees is Queens Library’s governing body, consisting of 19 members. In addition, the Mayor, Speaker of the City Council, Comptroller, Public Advocate and Queens Borough President are ex-officio members. Trustees serve without remuneration for a term of five years. Mrs. Mattone was first appointed to the Board of Trustees in 1999.  

8/10/07 -Langston Hughes, 100-01 Northern Blvd., Corona; 718-651-1100, 10 AM

8/23/07 - Jackson Heights, 35-51 81 St.; 718-899-2500, 10 AM

8/30/07 - Richmond Hill, 118-14 Hillside Ave.; 718-849-7150, 10 AM

9/12/07 - Pomonok, 158-21 Jewel Ave., Flushing; 718-591-4343, 10 AM

9/19/07 - Flushing, 41-17 Main St.; 718-661-1200, 10 AM

9/21/07 - Far Rockaway, 1637 Central Ave.; 718-327-2549, 11 AM

9/24/07 - Arverne, 312 Beach 54 St.; 718-634-4784, 1 PM

9/29/07 - Central, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., Jamaica; 718-990-0700, 11 AM

10/10/07 - South Hollis, 204-01 Hollis Ave.; 718-465-6779, 10 AM

10/15/07 - St. Albans, 191-05 Linden Blvd.; 718-528-8196, 1 PM

10/24/07 - Astoria, 14-01 Astoria Blvd., LIC; 718-278-2220, 10 AM

10/27/07 - Long Island City, 37-44 21^st St.; 718-752-3700, 11 AM

MAYOR, SPEAKER, CITY COUNCIL FUND EXPANDED LIBRARY SERVICE

• Queens Library at Arverne, 312 Beach 54 Street, will be open Saturdays beginning August 4.
• Queens Library at Astoria, 14-01 Astoria Boulevard, will be open Saturdays beginning August 4.
• Queens Library at Briarwood, 85-12 Main Street, will be open Saturdays beginning August 4.
• Queens Library at Cambria Heights, 218-13 Linden Boulevard, will be open Saturdays beginning July 7.
• Queens Library at East Elmhurst, 95-06 Astoria Boulevard, will be open Saturdays beginning August 4.
• Queens Library at Glendale, 78-60 73^rd Place, will be open Saturdays beginning August 4.
• Queens Library at Lefrak City, 98-30 57^th Avenue, will be open Saturdays beginning August 4.
• Queens Library at Long Island City, 37-44 21 Street, will be open Saturdays beginning July 7.
• Queens Library at North Forest Park, 98-27 Metropolitan Avenue, will be open Saturdays beginning August 4.
• Queens Library at Peninsula, 92-25 Rockaway Beach Boulevard, will be open Saturdays beginning August 4.
• Queens Library at Queensboro Hill, 60-05 Main Street, will be open Saturdays beginning August 4.
• Queens Library at Rochdale Village, 169-09 137 Avenue, will be open Saturdays beginning August 4.
• Queens Library at Whitestone, 151-10 14 Road, will be open Saturdays beginning August 4.
• Queens Library at Windsor Park, 79-50 Bell Boulevard, will be open Saturdays beginning August 4.

QUEENS LIBRARY AT LONG ISLAND CITY OPENS

LONG ISLAND CITY, NY, June 15, 2007 – Borough President Helen Marshall; State Assemblymember Catherine Nolan; City Councilmember Eric Gioia; Library Director Thomas W. Galante and many members of the community were on hand to open the new Queens Library at Long Island City today on 14th and 21st Streets at 38th Avenue. The new, 18,000 square foot library building houses a full-service public library and an Adult Learning Center. It was designed by Raymond Gomez and Associates. It was built at a cost of $9.48 million.

City Council Speaker Christine Quinn had been expected to cut the ribbon opening the new library. Mayor Bloomberg, Speaker Quinn and other expected City Council members were called to City Hall to vote in an historic budget that will restore six-day-a week library service to Queens.

The new library features more than 35,000 books, videos, and other items for loan and reference. There are dedicated Adult, Teen and Children's areas with 21 desktop computers for customer use. Additionally, 12 wireless laptop computers are available for customers to use inside the library. The program/meeting room seats 110 people. Lightning-fast RFID self-service kiosks allow customers to check-out their own materials and do other routine library transactions without waiting in long lines.

The Adult Literacy Center will help adult new readers and new English speakers with literacy, career development, improved English proficiency, health care, family issues, and computer help. It is a pilot “Literacy Zone” in collaboration with the New York State Department of Education.

The new Queens Library at Long Island City was funded by Mayor Michael Bloomberg ($425,000); Borough President Helen Marshall ($4,605,000); New York City Councilmember Eric Gioia ($4,325,000) and New York State Assemblymember Catherine Nolan ($125,000).

Borough President Helen Marshall said, “I was happy to provide $4.6 million in capital funding for this new library. It will be heavily used and reap a rich dividend in the future when the knowledge within these walls is absorbed and used by a new generation of readers, who will beable to improve their language skills, discover the magical world of computers, enhance their
career opportunities and improve their healthcare and well-being. This long-awaited library will become a focal point in this community. Thanks to all those who made it a reality.”

New York State Assemblymember Catherine Nolan remarked, “I am thrilled to see the new Long Island City library open and honored to have been able to provide State capital funding towards its construction and completion. Libraries are essential to every community and I am pleased that all of the residents of Ravenswood, Queensbridge, Dutch Kills and the greater Long Island City community will now have access to this state-of-the-art facility. Libraries also play a vital role in the education of our young people and this library will be a tremendous resource for the children of P.S. 111 next door and for all of the schools in our neighborhood. This is a wonderful and historic day for Long Island City and I’d like to salute my friend George Stamatiades for his advocacy on behalf of this library.”

“Every child in our neighborhood and in this City should have a library within walking distance of their school. I know first hand the difference a library can make," said Councilman Eric Gioia, who represents Long Island City, Woodside, Sunnyside, Astoria, and Maspeth. "Each day, after school, I would walk out of P.S. 11, and across the street to my local library. The new Queens library ensures our children will have the opportunity to read a book and learn about the world. The library, along with the new bank on 21st Street, will continue our neighborhood's resurgence.”

“Queens Library joins the community in thanking Mayor Bloomberg, Borough President Marshall, Assemblymember Nolan and City Councilman Gioia for their vision and support in funding the new Queens Library at Long Island City. It brings a universe of education and opportunity for all age groups and all interests. It is also such a beautiful building, it will surely be a source of neighborhood pride,” said Thomas W. Galante, Library Director.

The new library has replaced both the Queensbridge and Ravenswood Community Libraries for general library service. Both locations now function as Queens Library-run Family Literacy Centers, providing multi-generational literacy and English conversation training.

The Approaching Storm Marching Band opened the program. Children from P.S. 111, P.S. 84, P.S. 166 and the Goodwill Industries Afterschool Program at P.S. 111 entertained during the festivities.

QUEENS LIBRARY CELEBRATES 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF INCORPORATION
“Queens’ Biggest Cake” Marks the Occasion; Time Capsule to Be Buried


QUEENS VILLAGE, NY, April 17, 2007 –  Library Director Thomas W. Galante, City Councilmember Joe Addabbo and a host of government and community well-wishers joined to cut Queens’ Biggest Anniversary Cake in honor of Queens Library’s 100th anniversary of incorporation. The event was held at Antun’s in Queens Village.

“Queens Library is the busiest library system in the U.S. We needed a cake this big to mark the occasion,” said Library Director Galante. He added: “We’re proud to be one of very few organizations that can look back on more than a century of service and honestly say, ‘people in Queens depend on us more now than they did a century ago.’ A hundred years from now, people in Queens will still rely on their library for education, information and recreation. We enrich lives. Today is National Library Worker’s Day. The anniversary couldn’t come at a more apt time. Our staff is the reason why Queens Library will continue to be relevant long into the future.”

Queens Library was chartered from several small, independent libraries in 1896, prior to the Act of Consolidation in 1898, which made the five boroughs into New York City. Queens Library was incorporated on April 17, 1907. Andrew Carnegie gave the nascent public library a big boost by financing six stately buildings on the condition that the City would pay ongoing operating expenses. Queens Library, Brooklyn Public Library and New York Public Library were incorporated separately. They remain independent of each other to this day.

The anniversary cake measured 16 feet x 20 feet. It was baked by Junior’s. It used 1200 lbs. of cake batter, 500 lbs. of fudge filling and 500 lbs of frosting. Total calorie count defied description. Most of it was donated to City Harvest.

A follow-up event will be held on April 25, 2007. A time capsule will be buried at the Queens Library at Queens Village. It contains items donated by children from all over Queens to illustrate “The Way We Were in 2007.” It will be opened at the library’s bi-centennial.

Queens Library circulated 20.2 million items in Fiscal Year 2006. It is one of the highest circulating libraries in the U.S. The core mission of providing for the informational, educational and recreational needs of people in Queens has remained the same through the decades. The way the library delivers information and education, however, has changed drastically as information technology has evolved. Online information and downloadable media are common now, although they were beyond imagination merely 20 years ago. Encouraging children to do well in school and helping adults self-educate and optimize economic potential remain important goals.

"EXIT PROJECT" HELP IS A CLICK AWAY

Queens Library Video Shows Middle-Schoolers and Parents the Way to Success

More and more middle school students are being encouraged to do "Exit Projects," which are long-term research projects on a topic chosen by the student, usually in social studies or science.

Media Contacts to Queens Library’s Marketing and Communications Department at Central Library, Jamaica:

Joanne King - Associate Director
718-990-0704
jking@queenslibrary.org 

Zoila Bofill - PR Manager/ Spanish-Language Media
718-990-0876
zbofill@queenslibrary.org

General Information
718-990-0705
ehonen@queenslibrary.org