Photo: The pre-K grads celebrated their early achievement at the Woodhaven branch of the Queens Library. Courtesy of Queens Library
Parents, teachers, staff, and elected officials last Thursday cheered, and some even shed tears, as diplomas were conferred to the 18 graduates of the Library’s inaugural pre-K class at the Woodhaven branch on Forest Parkway.
The Library is the first in the nation to provide formal early childhood education at its branches, using licensed early childhood educators hired for the program. Queens Library received approval from the city Department of Education, and has announced plans to open a second pre-K at the Ravenswood branch in the coming school year, due to support from Borough President Melinda Katz and the Edith Glick Shoolman Children’s Foundation.
“Queens Library’s pre-kindergarten is a natural extension of our mission to provide impactful, lifelong learning resources. We are looking forward to expanding Queens Library’s pre-kindergarten to Ravenswood for the next school year. Education and libraries go together,” said Bridget Quinn-Carey, interim president and CEO of the Library.
The graduation was Quinn-Carey’s second reason to celebrate in less than a week. Mayor Bill de Blasio and the City Council have announced that an additional $39 million has been included in the 2016 budget for universal six-day library service, extended branch hours, and other improvements.
By Michael V. Cusenza
michael@theforumnewsgroup.com
