In celebration of Library Card Sign-Up Month in September, Senator Joseph P. Addabbo Jr. partnered with Queens Public Library (QPL) for activities that promoted library resources and motivated students to get library cards after the new school year began. The event brought together Senator Addabbo with Dennis Walcott who serves as President & CEO of QPL.

“A library card grants free access to learning, entertainment, and discovery,” Addabbo said.  “I believe it’s vital that we seize occasions like Library Card Sign-Up Month to highlight the wide range of resources available within our neighborhoods across all Queens Public Library locations. I’m honored to team up with QPL once more for another fantastic event.”

People can access learning opportunities and resources through their free library card which serves as a powerful tool for exploration and opportunity. The library card provides users with unrestricted access to books, digital content, homework assistance, language education and employment resources. The Queens community benefits from library cards because they support local libraries which in turn enhance local neighborhoods.

The event took place on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at the Queens Public Library in Glendale. There were three consecutive activities beginning with Face Painting by Party Colors, which allowed children to get colorful images of flowers, butterfliers, tigers and other images on their faces, followed by the History of Balloons with Nick the Baloonatic, who gave away free balloon creations in the form of flowers, cartoon characters, superheroes and more, and concluding with a Salsa Concert with Sureno, which played favorites such as "Oye Cómo Va" by Tito Puente. 

Many of the attendees brought their children with them to enjoy the fun and in conversations with Senator Addabbo and Walcott, they shared the different countries and cultures they represented including Russia, Croatia, and Bulgaria. “It is great to see the enormous diversity represented here,” Addabbo said, with Walcott expressing similar sentiments. 

There were plenty of library staff members on hand to help attendees sign up for a library card. There was also a tent outside in front of the library where QPL staff gave away new books for free, along with drawstring backpacks, pencils and other goodies. 

“I support continued funding for Queens Library so it can maintain and expand access to resources,” Addabbo said. “Investment in libraries strengthens neighborhoods, supports small businesses, and enhances workforce development.”