"Working toward anMLS at Queens College gave me the broad perspective I need to serve Queens Library's diverse customer base. Many of my classmates will undoubtedly emerge as leaders in the field. Thank you, Dr. Muyskens and the whole QC faculty for providing a balance of practical skills MLS students need today, with the solid academic theory and background we'll need as library and information science evolves."

In July 2005 Thomas W. Galante was named Library Director of Queens Library which has 1,600 employees and an annual operating budget of $95 million. He has held positions in virtually every area of library management and administration and initiated and led many information technology-based initiatives there.

Serving 2.2 million residents through 63 community-based libraries, Queens Library is recognized as a leader in public library service worldwide. Since 1994, it has had one of the highest circulation levels of any public library system in the nation (18.9 million items loaned in fiscal year 2005). Most recently, Queens became the first public library to implement a complete self-service station for customers.

Galante earned a bachelor of business administration degree from St. Bonaventure University, a master of business administration from Hofstra University, and a master of library science degree in 2004 from Queens College. His community service includes serving on the board of trustees of the Wilton Library Association in Connecticut and chairing its technology committee. He is married and has two children.