By Alex Christodoulides
City Councilwoman Melinda Katz (D-Forest Hills) gave $140,000 from her discretionary fund toward the total $900,000 cost of renovating the facility, located at 108-19 71 Ave.”Libraries are a valuable source of information entertainment and learning for the entire community. Consequently, it is important that each library is given the resources to properly serve its patrons by providing a place that is clean, safe, equipped with a working infrastructure and possesses the latest technology,” Katz said.The renovations have been taking place piecemeal over the past two years, with the recent closure allowing workers to complete changes that could not be done with patrons in the building. There are new windows and doors, fresh paint and carpeting, and a quiet room for readers who prefer silence.The choir from nearby PS 144 sang two songs in between short speeches by Queens Library Director Tom Galante and Director of Government and Community Affairs James Van Bramer, and Community Board 6 District Manager Frank Gulluscio.”I am grateful to play a small role in allocating funds so the Forest Hills library could complete the needed renovations. I hope the entire community enjoys the improvements and takes advantage of all the services the library has to offer,” Katz said.”The Forest Hills library really wants to be a central hub for the community,” said a spokesman for Katz. “They're bringing the library into the 21st century and everyone is delighted with the updates.”The branch is open until 8 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays, and closed Sundays.Reach reporter Alex Christodoulides by e-mail at news@timesledger.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 155.
