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Dozens of Queens Public Libraries Slated to Close

-On most afternoon's the Queens Public Library in Sunnyside is packed.

However, that may all change as massive budget cuts could force this and 13 other libraries in Queens to shut their doors and 34 other libraries will only be able to open 2 or 3 days a week.

13-year-old Nejla Aktash said it's a bad idea.

"Nobody would be able to get homework help and everyone will be failing in New York City Schools," said Aktash.

Aktash has started a petition drive to keep this and other libraries open. So far, the petition has 564 signatures and counting.

Library Director Thomas Galante hopes city hall will listen, especially in these difficult times.

"Libraries are an essential service that effect every single community throughout the city. Even during the Great Depression, libraries were open 7 days a week throughout city," said Galante.

Already 300 pink slips have gone out letting library employees know come August they could be gone.

A spokesman for Mayor Bloomberg says no one wants to cut funding to libraries. However, he told PIX 11 News there are no alternatives, every city agency except uniformed services are facing painful cuts."

Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer, who is also chairman of the library committee, says he knows its going to be difficult but is leading the fight in city hall to keep libraries open.

"When libraries are open kids are in them they're not in streets," said Van Bramer. "They're also employers and there are also places people can look for work and when you close a library those things aren't happening anymore."

Aktash agrees.

"It won't help the school system," said Aktash.

Copyright © 2014, The Morning Call
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