Statement by Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott and Chair of the Board of Trustees Haeda B. Mihaltses on the Passing of Former Queens Borough President Claire Shulman

“Queens Public Library would not be the vital institution it is today were it not for Claire Shulman. Understanding the role of libraries in cultivating and advancing literacy and learning for all, she fought for the funding needed to construct Flushing Library, the busiest branch library in the country, and many others in our system.

Claire actively remained in the life of the Library even when she left office, attending numerous events and actively supporting the Queens Public Library Foundation. Because of her firm belief in our mission and continued involvement in the life of the Library over the years, the Foundation named her an honoree at its annual benefit this year.

We are deeply saddened about her passing and are so grateful to her for her many contributions to the Library, to the borough of Queens and to the City of New York.

We extend our deepest condolences to Claire’s family and wish them peace and comfort in the knowledge that she is directly responsible for opening the doors to opportunity for so many people. We will miss her greatly."