By Brendan Browne
The Queens Borough Public Library named Peter Magnani, the former deputy borough president under Claire Shulman, as its director of capital projects to manage the construction and renovation of all of the county’s public libraries.
“It is an honor to have someone of Peter Magnani’s capability join Queens Library. His expertise will be invaluable,” said Queens Library Director Gary Strong in a statement. “With Peter’s help, we will continue a long tradition of giving the public the best possible.”
Magnani, who lives in Jackson Heights, served as deputy borough president from 1986 to 2001 when Shulman stepped down, helping to manage capital budget plans of about $35 million, he said in a telephone interview.
With a background in architecture, Magnani also helped coordinate projects including the construction of Queens Hospital Center in Jamaica, the Langston Hughes Library in Corona and the Flushing Library, he said.
Before working with Shulman, Magnani served as the director of City Planning for Queens and was involved in planning projects such as the 9.2 million-square-foot Queens West mixed-use waterfront development in Hunters Point.
Magnani also worked as director of City Planning for the Bronx and spent his early career as an architect. He studied at City University, Columbia University and Pratt Institute.
“It’s nice. With my background and knowing Queens, I think it is a good fit,” said Magnani. “I’m familiar with what the (library’s) goals are and some of its projects.”
Magnani said he was excited to be working for the largest library system in the country with its 63 branches and was optimistic it could tackle some innovative projects.
He said he hoped to build a “green building” library, which would utilize plants and the ground under the foundation to heat and cool the building. For example, a roof top garden could help keep a new library cool in the summer and the earth could be used to insulate pipes under the ground.
“People come to the library not only to read books, but to get information and the new architecture can symbolize that,” Magnani said.
Reach reporter Brendan Browne by e-mail at Timesledger@aol.com or by phone at 229-0300, Ext. 155.
