Ebooks, Netflix, and Library Building Projects (Part 82, Nesconset Branch of the Smithtown Special Library District)

A new start for the Nesconset Library. (Times Beacon Record, 7/13/2011)

Excerpt: In 2008, voters approved a $21 million bond for an expansion and renovation plan for the district's libraries. This project would create new children's rooms and meeting rooms for the four branches —­­ Smithtown main branch, Nesconset, Kings Park and Commack — while updating aging systems and spaces.

Library Director Robert Lusak said moving the Nesconset Library from the storefront on Smithtown Boulevard was a must because its old location couldn't accommodate the town.

"The library had been operating in a rental space in a small strip mall since the mid-70s," Lusak said in an interview. "The Armory building then became available and we jumped at the chance."

Lusak said the Armory building was gutted, allowing for a full renovation. "We had to bring in mechanical units, all new ductwork and plumbing," he said. "Everything had to be tested to make sure it was structurally sound ... and this is the end result."

The library has been opened for about two weeks and Branch Manager Cynthia Guzzo said the response has been overwhelming. "It has been amazing. I had to call in extra people for help because we have never had so many people flowing through the building; it's nice, a lot of teenagers, a lot of children and a lot of families. You have to remember, the community went from a little storefront, to this big building that actually looks like a library."

The library now has a community room that holds double the amount of people, allowing the library to hold bigger programs, Guzzo said.