Commack Library Reopens After $8.3M Renovation

Attending the reopening ceremony are, from left: SCC Construction Project Manager Richard Ryan; Beatty Harvey Coco Architects Senior Associate Christopher Sepp; Library trustees Arthur Emsig, Dominick Elvezio and Vincent Gonzalez; state Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci; Legislative Aide Jason Zove; Stalco Construction President Alan Nahmias; library trustees President Steven Hartman; library Director Laurie Rosenthal; Stalco Construction Project Manager Jason Vasquez; and state Assemblyman Andrew Raia. Photo/Peter Wilk/Wilk Marketing Communications

Following a nearly two-year-long, $8.3 million renovation project, the Commack Public Library reopened earlier this month.

The renovation and expansion project, first approved by taxpayers in October 2015, and led by general contractor Islandia-based Stalco Construction and Hauppauge-based Beatty Harvey Coco Architects, was capped off by an opening day ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 2.

The project was the first significant upgrade since 1976 to the 41-year-old building at 18 Hauppauge Road.

Funding came from a voter-approved $7.8 million bond issue and $500,000 from the library’s capital improvement fund.

The rebuilt library features a large children’s room designed to provide an enriching environment for children and families, with dedicated spaces for computer use, play and programs, as well as a designated young-adult area for teenagers.

There are now also dedicated areas for senior citizens, who can enjoy comfortable furniture, including chairs with armrests.

A large, dividable community room and meeting room space was fit out to be used for the library’s multitude of community programs, and there is additional space for public seating and leisure reading, along with quiet rooms for individual and group study.

Robust Wi-Fi is available throughout the building and assistive listening devices for the hearing impaired were installed in the community room, and all new audio/visual equipment was installed.

The structure is comprised of two main stories and two mezzanine levels, including a 12,670-square-foot main floor and 3,500-square-foot lower level. The upper mezzanine spans 3,150 square feet, while the lower stretches across 3,590 square feet.

Also created was an all-new glazed entrance vestibule. The new entrance features an expansive, two-story-high aluminum-and-glass storefront with an aluminum sunshade on it.

“Public libraries nationwide have undergone a dramatic functional change in recent years, transforming from what was once a simple depository of books into a multi-faceted community center that provides support and programs for all generations,” stated Commack Public Library’s Director, Laurie Rosenthal. “Our beautiful redeveloped library will accommodate the needs of all members of the local community, from babies to seniors. I would like to thank the Commack Library District residents for their support for the renovation and the project team of Stalco Construction and Beatty Harvey Coco Architects for the amazing work they have done.”

Additional highlights, photographs and information on the library are available at Commackpubliclibrary.org.