Queens Library Director Named as One of 21 "New Yorkers to Watch"

Staff -- Library Journal, 1/10/2000

Queens Borough Public Library Director Gary Strong was named by the New York Daily News on January 1 as one of 21 unheralded New Yorkers "to watch in the 21st Century." Strong was cited for the library's record-setting circulation -- erroneously reported as "the largest" library -- and his "ambitious and practical" vision for the library as a source of books and technology and a "place for civil discourse." Strong told LJDigital that the designation was not solicited. "I was absolutely bowled over. Librarians tend not to be named in those sorts of lists." Strong said he wanted to reinforce the message that the library aims to "open public library service to the broadest possible audience" in the busy, diverse borough.