Library Offers New, Faster Services, Redone Branches
BYTHOMAS W. GALANTE

National Library Week is April 2 to 8. I want to take this opportunity to tell you what to expect from your Queens Library.

The Queens Borough Public Library is a favorite resource for education, business and recreation. Queens Library will lend 20 million books, videos, CDs and more this year. Stacked up, they would equal 59 times the height of Mt. Everest. Millions of other print and online resources were consulted inside the library. Three million people used the library's public use computers. Half a million enjoyed free library programs.

We're improving Queens libraries to serve you better. Every library in Queens that isn't newly built will be renovated for better customer service over the next three years. Renovations to Queens libraries in Briarwood, Forest Hills, Hillcrest, Jackson Heights, Pomonok and St. Albans will be underway in the coming months. The renovations will include installation of faster-thanlightning full-service library self-checkout kiosks. If you think we're moving materials out now, wait until you try one of these: almost no lines to wait in, up to 16 books or videos checked out in less than a minute.

Most libraries will have their community meeting rooms renovated. They will be redecorated and many will have other enhancements as well-perhaps an elevator or new heating or air conditioning, as needed. We are currently developing a first in the library industry-an automated exterior book drop available 24 hours a day, seven days a week that will open with your library card and automatically return the item to your account within seconds.

We recognize that such an ambitious improvement campaign is bound to cause some inconvenience to you, our customers. Community libraries will have to close for a few days to a few months to allow for construction. To bridge the gap, we will be rolling out a new Bookmobile this spring. It won't provide the full-spectrum library service you are used to, but you will be able to borrow books and videos and get some basic reference service. Of course, neighboring libraries are always available for your use. This is a great time to take advantage of Facts by Phone (718-9900714); our Web site www.queenslibrary.org; or Ask A Librarian at www.queenslibrary.org/infoline for answers to factual questions. Students can find a lot of help at www.kidslinq.org, www.teenlinq.org or www.homeworknyc.org.

Afree Queens Library borrower's card is the key to enriching your life. You can apply online at www.queenslibrary.org or come in to any community library. Just show identification with your name and address and you are on your way.

Enrich your life. Visit your library today. Thomas W. Galante is Director of the Queens Borough Public Library.