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Galante named director of libraries in borough

By Courtney Dentch

A 16-year veteran of the Queens Borough Public Library system was named the institution’s interim director last week while the board of trustees searches for a full-time replacement for outgoing head Gary Strong, library officials said.

Thomas Galante, who most recently served as deputy director for finance and administration, took the reins of America’s busiest public library from Strong, who left to become head librarian at the University of California in Los Angeles starting next month, the trustees announced Aug. 19.

Galante, 42, now leads all 63 branches included in the Queens Library system, an institution that has faced sharp budget cuts from the city in recent years. The city took $3.5 million from the library budget in 2002 and about another $6 million was cut this year.

“Our priorities remain the same,” Galante said. “We must get full restoration to our budget, which is still $10 million less than what it was two years ago. We must maintain the Queens Library’s exceptional collections, programs and services, which the people of Queens deserve and expect.”

Galante is also being considered for the permanent position, said library spokeswoman Joanne King, who was unsure of how long the official search could take.

He joined the library system in 1987 as the business manager, according to a release from the library. In 1995 he became the assistant library director until his promotion to deputy director.

Galante holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from St. Bonaventure University and a master’s in business administration from Hofstra University, according to the release. Before joining the Queens Library, Galante worked for school districts in Elmont, Long Island and western New York, the release said.

“The vision and stability his appointment provides is vital for the Queens Library to continue to achieve its goals,” said George Stamatiades, president of the library board.

Galante takes over for Strong, 58, who is returning to California after leading the Queens Library since 1994. Under Strong’s direction the Queens libraries achieved the highest circulation levels of any public system in the nation, reaching 16.8 million items and 16.3 million visits for the fiscal year ending June 2002.

The library has its central branch on Merrick Boulevard in Jamaica, 62 community facilities and six adult learning centers throughout the borough.

Reach reporter Courtney Dentch by e-mail at TimesLedger@aol.com, or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 138.