Senator Peralta Announces $50K for Library Materials

EAST ELMHURST, NY - New York Senator Jose Peralta has procured a $50,000 State Legislative Grant for library materials in Queens. He made the announcement at Queens Library at East Elmhurst along with Queens Library CEO Thomas W. Galante, applauded by enthusiastic eighth and fifth grade students from nearby P.S. 127.

"Deep budget cuts have forced the Queens Library to severely cut back on buying new books," said State Senator Jose Peralta. "I am glad to be able to help and will continue to do what I can in this time of need because the Queens Library is an invaluable community resource. The Queens Library provides our borough's diverse population access to a broad spectrum of knowledge, information and entertainment, as well as assistance in everything from learning a language to homework assignments." 

The funds will be used to purchase books, DVDs and other library items in English and Spanish. The materials will be housed in libraries in: Jackson Heights, East Elmhurst, Corona, Lefrak City, and at the Langston Hughes Community Library. They will be accessible at every library through the borough. This funding comes at a very critical time for Queens Library, as budget shortfalls have impacted the library's ability to purchase new materials.

The program also included music performed by Albert Cole, a saxophonist and member of the Friends of East Elmhurst.

Queens Library is an independent, not-for-profit corporation and is not affiliated with any other library. Queens Library serves a population of 2.3 million in the most ethnically diverse county in the U.S. With 23 million items in circulation for FY 2010, the Library has among the highest circulations of any public library system 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.