Library Stuff

“Mark is just one of many young scofflaws who are taking advantage of a program by the Queens Borough Public Library intended to help younger library users eliminate their overdue fines. While the penalties for failing to return an item on time for library users younger than 21 might not seem high – 10 cents per day for a book, $1 per day for a CD or DVD – they can add up and be onerous for children from families of limited means. And once library users have accumulated a total of $15 in fines, their borrowing privileges can be suspended.” (via NYTimes.com)

WNYC Culture – “Digital books are the fastest growing area of publishing, and libraries are seeing a surge in demand for e-book titles — but finding an e-book can be tough. The Central Library in Queens became the first in New York City to start lending e-readers last month — 50 of them, pre-loaded with dozens of books each. “They went as quick as the customers came through the door, the e-readers was gone,” librarian Wanda Wright said.”

Bayside Patch – “Budding activists make bracelets to raise awareness for the Bay Terrace Branch of the Queens Library.”

Queens Courier – ““Save our libraries.”

This was the chant by local public officials and book-lovers who braved the rain and united on May 18 to protest proposed state budget cuts to Queens Library.

Queens Borough President Helen Marshall and City Councilmember Jimmy Van Bramer led the rally of supporters carrying placards and posters inside Flushing Library to re-establish funding.

“Libraries provide invaluable services and programs that enrich our communities and improve the academic performance of children in our schools. I will work tirelessly with my colleagues in the City Council as well as advocates to restore as much funding as possible,” said Van Bramer, who is Chair of the Cultural Affairs and Libraries Committee.”

CBS – “Dozens of protestors gathered outside the Peninsula Branch library in Queens Saturday, calling for additional funding of public libraries.
Demonstrators were protesting against possible cuts that could close libraries and eliminate jobs and after school programs.”