“Dreams Start Here” is the theme of our upcoming 2016 Autumn Gala, and I welcome you to join us and help support the Queens Library programs and services that encourage our children and teens to achieve their dreams.

For many of our customers, the dream of a better life begins at Queens Library. This is especially true for the youngest members of our community. Whether it’s early childhood programs like Universal Pre-K and our Toddler Learning Centers, daily science and technology activities at our Children’s Library and Discovery Center, or the help provided at our STACKS afterschool programs and Teen Spaces, our community libraries help thousands of young people realize their dreams every day.

As President and CEO, I’ve decided to get the ball rolling for this year’s Gala. I’ve personally purchased the first table’s worth of tickets. I believe that it’s as important for me to give back to the Library as it is to ask our community for their support. We can all do our part to help build the life-changing programs that Queens Library provides.

The Autumn Gala will kick off our fall fundraising season. We’re very privileged to be recognizing the Honorable David N. Dinkins, the 106th Mayor of New York; Husam Ahmad, Chairman and CEO of HAKS; and Plaxall as our Gala honorees.

Of course, not everyone needs to buy tickets to a special event to help the Library. Every level of support is welcome and appreciated. When we join together to donate to Queens Library and to help fund the programs that fulfill the dreams of our children and young people, we make a lifelong impact on the future of our community.

You can learn more about the 2016 Autumn Gala and other ways you can give to Queens Library by visiting queenslibrarygala.org. I thank you for your support.

Dennis