Queens members of the City Council supported each of these new facilities. Their respective communities welcomed both libraries with enthusiasm and pride when the doors opened for public service, and we have seen a significant increase in usage. Unfortunately, we were unable to increase hours and support the increased demand that these new facilities require. We look forward to finding a solution to this challenge. The recent funding provided by the City Council must be made part of our baseline budget to accomplish this goal.
New funding is needed to hire additional staff to meet current customer demand.
This funding must provide for the same ratio of staff to customer visits for FY01 as was provided in FY94. Otherwise, the quality of service provided to each of our 17 million visitors this year will deteriorate. We must sustain the gains we have made in serving the people of Queens. If enacted, this reduction will result in the elimination of Library staff positions, and it would force a reduction in branch hours. In fact, most branch libraries in Queens would be open only four days a week, with other branches open only two or three days a week beginning July 1 st .