Mayor and City Council Stand Up for Libraries
JAMAICA, NY, June 29, 2011 - Queens Library CEO Thomas W. Galante announced today that $23 million of the proposed $25 million New York City budget cut has been restored. This is the largest funding restoration at budget adoption in history. It will ensure a minimum five-day-a-week service schedule in every community by averting a massive layoff of library staff. The proposed budget threatened nearly
500 jobs and would have closed more than a dozen libraries altogether
and reduced services to two or three days a week in most communities.
"Mayor Bloomberg, Speaker Quinn and the City Council demonstrated their tremendous commitment to quality library service. They kept public libraries a top priority during a most difficult budget. Every layoff has been averted so library doors can remain open to enrich the lives of New Yorkers," said Thomas W. Galante. "Without the support of these library champions, including City Council Member Domenic M. Recchia, Jr., Chairman of the Finance Committee; Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer, Chairman of the Cultural Affairs & Libraries Committee; Queens Delegation Leader Leroy Comrie; Council Member Vincent Gentile, Chairman of the Select Committee on Libraries; and the entire City Council, this would not have been possible."
Activism and advocacy by the public let City Hall know how much quality public library services are valued by the community. In mid-June, hundreds of thousands of signatures on petitions and postcards protesting budget cuts were delivered to City Hall. Some 95,000 came from Queens.
Galante said, "We are turning our attention toward the opening of the new Children's Library Discovery Center, launching new and improved online services, piloting an e-reader project, installing easy-to-use self-service circulation technology, continuing the largest library renovation and expansion program in our 100+ year history, and providing all the programs and services that people rely on every day."
Showing posts with label Queens Library. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Queens Library. Show all posts
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Friday, October 22, 2010
2010 SHUBERT LIBRARY EXCELLENCE AWARD WINNER ANNOUNCED
The New York State Regents Advisory Council on Libraries is pleased to announce that the 2010 Joseph F. Shubert Library Excellence Award has been awarded to the Queens Library for their entry entitled, “Queens Library for Teens”.
The Queens Library for Teens, part of Queens Library, opened in December 2008 and is located in Far Rockaway. With encouragement from the community, Queens Library pursued grants including a federally-funded Juvenile Justice Grant to support the renting of an empty storefront to house the teen library. It is two blocks away from the full-service library and is 3,500 square feet. It has unilaterally renewed library service for the community at every age level because it directs and serves teens in and out of school who had previously been disruptive in the community library. At the same time, it gives teens incentive to stay in school/get a GED and directs them into socially positive activities. The “bait” that draws teens to the space has been technology. The Queens Library for Teens has 40 customer-use computers with high-speed internet access. The teen computers can be used to do homework, access Facebook, and email. A key component is that the teens must behave in an acceptable manner in order to gain entry. Dedicated youth counselors provide service and referrals, while librarians at the full-service branch give in-depth traditional reference services. Collections, programs and facilities are geared toward the interests of teens. More than 120 teens use the center every week day.
Runner-up for this year’s Shubert Award is the Milne Library/SUNY Geneseo for their project entitled, “LILAC” (Library Instruction Leadership Academy). LILAC is a collaborative professional development project designed, organized and delivered by librarians and educators representing 8 comprehensive colleges, 4 community and/or technical colleges, 10 schools within the K-12 system and the Rochester Regional Library Council. To round out the variety of educational institutions involved in LILAC, eleven librarians were accepted into the academy with experience and background ranging from a local homeschooling initiative to an elementary school library to specialized librarians serving graduate-level programs. It was developed to be a semester-long intensive learning experience for novice instruction librarians that incorporates a variety of learning experiences including workshops, field experience, assigned readings, personal reflection, discussion, and a final culminating project. The academy was designed to provide librarians new to instruction the pedagogical training and practice necessary to effectively teach library and information literacy concepts and skills. With a $3,500 award from the Harold Hacker Advancement of Libraries Grant and $1,100 collected in participant fees, LILAC’s total budget came to $4,600. This figure, however, does not reflect the thousands of dollars contributed via in-kind and volunteer support (approximately $24,000).
The Regents Advisory Council on Libraries 2010 Shubert Award Committee (consisting of Sam Simon, Chair; Sara Kelly Johns and Louise Sherby) was enthusiastic in its decision to honor the Queens Library submission as an excellent example of “the spirit of the Shubert award”. Members from the Shubert Award Committee, along with a representative from the Friends of the New York State Library who have graciously donated the $1,000 award money, will present a plaque and the award money at the New York Library Association’s annual conference in Saratoga Springs in November. A plaque will also be presented to the runner-up, Milne Library/SUNY Geneseo
The Joseph F. Shubert Excellence Award is given annually to recognize the achievements of small, medium and large libraries and library consortia in New York State. The Award honors libraries or library consortia that have taken significant steps within the past two years to improve the quality of library service to users. For more information about the Joseph F. Shubert Library Excellence Award and the Regents Advisory Council on Libraries, visitHERE or contact the Office of the State Librarian at (518) 474-5930.
The Queens Library for Teens, part of Queens Library, opened in December 2008 and is located in Far Rockaway. With encouragement from the community, Queens Library pursued grants including a federally-funded Juvenile Justice Grant to support the renting of an empty storefront to house the teen library. It is two blocks away from the full-service library and is 3,500 square feet. It has unilaterally renewed library service for the community at every age level because it directs and serves teens in and out of school who had previously been disruptive in the community library. At the same time, it gives teens incentive to stay in school/get a GED and directs them into socially positive activities. The “bait” that draws teens to the space has been technology. The Queens Library for Teens has 40 customer-use computers with high-speed internet access. The teen computers can be used to do homework, access Facebook, and email. A key component is that the teens must behave in an acceptable manner in order to gain entry. Dedicated youth counselors provide service and referrals, while librarians at the full-service branch give in-depth traditional reference services. Collections, programs and facilities are geared toward the interests of teens. More than 120 teens use the center every week day.
Runner-up for this year’s Shubert Award is the Milne Library/SUNY Geneseo for their project entitled, “LILAC” (Library Instruction Leadership Academy). LILAC is a collaborative professional development project designed, organized and delivered by librarians and educators representing 8 comprehensive colleges, 4 community and/or technical colleges, 10 schools within the K-12 system and the Rochester Regional Library Council. To round out the variety of educational institutions involved in LILAC, eleven librarians were accepted into the academy with experience and background ranging from a local homeschooling initiative to an elementary school library to specialized librarians serving graduate-level programs. It was developed to be a semester-long intensive learning experience for novice instruction librarians that incorporates a variety of learning experiences including workshops, field experience, assigned readings, personal reflection, discussion, and a final culminating project. The academy was designed to provide librarians new to instruction the pedagogical training and practice necessary to effectively teach library and information literacy concepts and skills. With a $3,500 award from the Harold Hacker Advancement of Libraries Grant and $1,100 collected in participant fees, LILAC’s total budget came to $4,600. This figure, however, does not reflect the thousands of dollars contributed via in-kind and volunteer support (approximately $24,000).
The Regents Advisory Council on Libraries 2010 Shubert Award Committee (consisting of Sam Simon, Chair; Sara Kelly Johns and Louise Sherby) was enthusiastic in its decision to honor the Queens Library submission as an excellent example of “the spirit of the Shubert award”. Members from the Shubert Award Committee, along with a representative from the Friends of the New York State Library who have graciously donated the $1,000 award money, will present a plaque and the award money at the New York Library Association’s annual conference in Saratoga Springs in November. A plaque will also be presented to the runner-up, Milne Library/SUNY Geneseo
The Joseph F. Shubert Excellence Award is given annually to recognize the achievements of small, medium and large libraries and library consortia in New York State. The Award honors libraries or library consortia that have taken significant steps within the past two years to improve the quality of library service to users. For more information about the Joseph F. Shubert Library Excellence Award and the Regents Advisory Council on Libraries, visitHERE or contact the Office of the State Librarian at (518) 474-5930.
Sunday, June 06, 2010
We Will Not Be Shushed: A 24 Hour Read-In
June 12th -13th 5pm - 5pm
Front Steps of the Brooklyn (NY) Public Library @ Grand Army Plaza
The We Will Not Be Shushed 24-Hour Read-In brings New Yorkers together for 24-hours of continuous public reading to draw attention to budgetary issues. From 5PM Saturday to 5PM Sunday, in 20 minute increments, public library supporters and staff will read aloud from books of their choosing. As a reflection of the wide range of information to be found in libraries, and the diversity of New York City's library patrons, readings will span multiple genres, and include late-night scary stories and a Sunday morning storytime for children.
New York City is famous for its world-class public libraries. The three library systems serve 8 million residents from a combined 212 locations, numbering over 43 million visits in FY'09. Since the economic crisis began, library use has been at an all-time high, with many New Yorkers depending on their local library for access to the information, resources, and programs necessary to conduct job searches, complete their education, navigate the Internet, and access public services.
This year, public libraries are facing devastating budget cuts. Mayor Bloomberg's Executive Budget for FY'11 calls for a reduction in funding of $16.9 million for Queens Library, $20.6 million for Brooklyn Public Library, and $37 million for New York Public Library. This represents a cumulative 30% decrease in funding since 2008.
If enacted, the budget cuts will result in the closure of 40 libraries citywide - 16 branches at Brooklyn Public Library, 14 at Queens Library, and 10 at New York Public Library. 30% of library staff will be laid off, library service hours for many branches will be reduced to 2-3 days, and countless programs that New Yorkers depend on every day will be eliminated. Libraries' ability to assist New Yorkers with job searching, afterschool tutoring, computer access and instruction, English classes, and research will be heavily compromised. Unless the City Council votes to restore funding, library service levels will be sharply reduced by July 1, 2010.
www.savenyclibraries.org
Front Steps of the Brooklyn (NY) Public Library @ Grand Army Plaza
The We Will Not Be Shushed 24-Hour Read-In brings New Yorkers together for 24-hours of continuous public reading to draw attention to budgetary issues. From 5PM Saturday to 5PM Sunday, in 20 minute increments, public library supporters and staff will read aloud from books of their choosing. As a reflection of the wide range of information to be found in libraries, and the diversity of New York City's library patrons, readings will span multiple genres, and include late-night scary stories and a Sunday morning storytime for children.
New York City is famous for its world-class public libraries. The three library systems serve 8 million residents from a combined 212 locations, numbering over 43 million visits in FY'09. Since the economic crisis began, library use has been at an all-time high, with many New Yorkers depending on their local library for access to the information, resources, and programs necessary to conduct job searches, complete their education, navigate the Internet, and access public services.
This year, public libraries are facing devastating budget cuts. Mayor Bloomberg's Executive Budget for FY'11 calls for a reduction in funding of $16.9 million for Queens Library, $20.6 million for Brooklyn Public Library, and $37 million for New York Public Library. This represents a cumulative 30% decrease in funding since 2008.
If enacted, the budget cuts will result in the closure of 40 libraries citywide - 16 branches at Brooklyn Public Library, 14 at Queens Library, and 10 at New York Public Library. 30% of library staff will be laid off, library service hours for many branches will be reduced to 2-3 days, and countless programs that New Yorkers depend on every day will be eliminated. Libraries' ability to assist New Yorkers with job searching, afterschool tutoring, computer access and instruction, English classes, and research will be heavily compromised. Unless the City Council votes to restore funding, library service levels will be sharply reduced by July 1, 2010.
www.savenyclibraries.org
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
"LIBRARY JOURNAL" NAMES QUEENS LIBRARY AS 2009 LIBRARY OF THE YEAR
Announcement at City Hall Shares News with All of NYC
According to the June 15, 2009 issue of "Library Journal," Queens Library is 2009 Library of the Year. "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 public library systems. 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." An announcement will be made by Francine Fialkoff, "Library Journal's" Editor-in-Chief and John N. Berry III, Editor-at-Large, on Friday 6/12/09 on the steps of New York City's City Hall.
Special mentions 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."
"Library Journal" is the oldest and most respected publication covering the library field. Considered to be the "bible" of the library world, LJ 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.
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According to the June 15, 2009 issue of "Library Journal," Queens Library is 2009 Library of the Year. "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 public library systems. 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." An announcement will be made by Francine Fialkoff, "Library Journal's" Editor-in-Chief and John N. Berry III, Editor-at-Large, on Friday 6/12/09 on the steps of New York City's City Hall.
Special mentions 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."
"Library Journal" is the oldest and most respected publication covering the library field. Considered to be the "bible" of the library world, LJ 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.
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