By Tien-Shun Lee
A Forest Hills activist group is planning on raising money to support the Forest Hills branch of the Queens Borough Public Library by approaching local corporations and organizations such as community boards, immigrant groups, churches and synagogues.
The leaders of the Forest Hills Action League say that their library branch, at 108-19 71st Ave., is lacking in programs and services, given that it ranks fifth among the 63 borough public library branches in terms of circulation and registered borrowers.
“There’s no latch-key program, no youth program, no programming classes, job placement programs or English lessons. … We have eight computers, and you cannot sit down to do any research. People are standing in line to use those computers,” said Estelle Chwat, the co-president of the group. “Other libraries with a smaller need have 25 computers that are sit-down.”
But Joe Catrambone, a spokesman for the library system, said Chwat’s allegations were “baseless” and that he was tired of defending the library against charges that were about as true as a “three-headed Martian baby.”
“Over at the Forest Hills branch, there is a librarian dedicated just for young adults. There’s really wonderful services there. It’s a great library. They have a great collection, and they get a lot of attention,” he said.
Catrambone pointed out that every library branch is different in terms of building size and staff.
“If you picked any random branch, you could say this particular branch does not have as many services as other branches,” Catrambone said.
The staff at the Forest Hills library branch said Chwat’s allegation that the library does not offer English as a Second Language classes was untrue. In fact, an ESL class that meets twice a week will be offered in February, said G. Joseph, a library staff member.
In addition, the Forest Hills library offers story book reading and play time for children between 2 years old and 4 years old a few times a week, said Julian Violeta, a library staff member who is in charge of children’s programs.
Other programs at the Forest Hills library include a stamp club, ballroom dance group, drama club, book discussion group and driving class for senior citizens, Joseph said.
Reach reporter Tien-Shun Lee by e-mail at Timesledger@aol.com, or call 229-0300, ext. 155.
