Smithtown's Commack library branch gets LEED design award

Smithtown Special Library District's Commack Branch has become Long Island's second public library to receive a certification from the U.S. Green Building Council for its sustainable design and construction.

The Commack Branch was notified last week about its gold certification in the Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, rating system. The branch, which recently underwent a $3.6 million renovation and expansion, fell in the new construction and major renovations category.

Westhampton Free Library in Westhampton Beach was the first library to gain LEED certification on Long Island, council officials said.

Smithtown Special Library District director Robert Lusak was not available for comment Friday.

BBS Architects, Landscape Architects and Engineers, based in Patchogue, served those functions for the Commack Branch, as well as the Smithtown Main, Nesconset and Kings Park branches that are undergoing the LEED certification process.

BBS principal Roger P. Smith, lead architect on the project, said the Commack Branch included both building improvements and a reconfiguration to make the rear entrance near the parking lot the main entrance.

"We needed to really look at how we're delivering library utilization . . . because the buildings were set up probably 30 to 40 years ago and functioned in a way that the patrons at that time used them," Smith said.

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Key updates included:

A hydraulic elevator, complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act

A 2,784-square-foot addition that houses a new children's library and lower level community meeting space

Boilers and water heater replacements

Water-efficient landscaping, low-flow toilets and faucets

Energy-efficient interior and exterior lighting

Smith said the updates have saved the Commack Branch more than 30 percent in energy costs.