Felder gives Brooklyn Public Library $140,000 check

October 28, 2013 By Paula Katinas Brooklyn Daily Eagle

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How many books can you buy for $140,000? The Brooklyn Public Library is going to find out, thanks to a state lawmaker who secured funding for the institution.

State Sen. Simcha Felder (D-Borough Park-Midwood) presented a $140,000 check to Brooklyn Public Library President and CEO Linda E. Johnson at a reception at the Kings Highway Library on Oct. 24.

The funding allocation, which was obtained with the assistance of Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos, will be divided among the six Brooklyn Public Library branches in Felder’s district: Kings Highway, Borough Park, Kensington, Mapleton, Midwood and Ryder.

At the presentation, Felder, who serves as chairman of the New York City Education Subcommittee and the Children and Families Committee, spoke of his lifetime love of libraries and said libraries serve an important function.

“Libraries have always held special meaning for me, ever since I was young boy. They play such an important role in shaping children’s education, their thinking and their personalities,” Felder said.

Children use libraries to do their homework and senior citizens utilize the library system as cooling or heating centers and as a place for recreation, Felder said.

Managers and personnel from several of the branches were on hand as Johnson accepted the check from Felder. “We are deeply grateful to Senator Simcha Felder for awarding BPL $140,000. We will use the money to support children’s services at six of our branches,” Johnson said.

“In many neighborhoods, our libraries are the only places where families can attend developmentally appropriate programs with their young children. Thanks to Senator Felder’s very generous allocation, we will be able to help ensure that every child has the early literacy skills they need for success,” Johnson said.

“While I know this funding will not resolve all of the library’s budgetary issues,” Felder said, “I hope you will accept it as a small token of the appreciation of all New Yorkers for the wonderful services you provide,” Felder said.