PRESS RELEASE: Gentile Endorses Johnson Library Appointment

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The following is a press release from Councilman Vincent Gentile:

BAY RIDGE – Councilman Vincent J. Gentile today commended the Brooklyn Public Library Board of Trustees for appointing Linda E. Johnson the new President and Chief Executive Officer. Ms. Johnson, who has been the Library’s interim Executive Director  since July 2010, will be responsible for the executive management and daily operations of the entire Brooklyn Public Library system. “Linda brings an abundance of experience, passion and a love for libraries to Brooklyn”, said Councilman Gentile. “Linda has proven herself, not only in the private sector as a lawyer and businesswoman, but as an extremely talented non-profit executive and  fundraiser – such areas of expertise are absolutely vital for the Brooklyn Public Library during these tough economic times.” As an independent system, separate from the New York City and Queens libraries, the Brooklyn Public Library is the nation’s fifth largest public library system, serving Brooklyn’s 2.5 million residents through 60 locations. “Last week I congratulated the BPL for their plans to increase the number of hours at Brooklyn’s libraries”, said Councilman Gentile. “Linda Johnson and the Brooklyn Public Library found a way to make their funding go further to better serve Brooklynites who  increasingly seek library services. I have no doubt the library will continue to thrive and grow throughout Brooklyn under Linda’s leadership. ” Councilman Gentile is the Chair of the Select Committee on Libraries in the New York City Council.

Councilman Vincent Gentile represents City Council District 43, which includes Bay Ridge, as well as parts of Dyker Heights, Bath Beach and Bensonhurst