Freeport celebrates renovated library wing

The Freeport Memorial Library on Saturday will celebrate its renovated west wing that features technological upgrades, architectural changes and new resource centers.

The 20,000-square-foot west wing had not been updated since it opened in 1984. The original library building was constructed in 1924 and expanded in 1958. The $1.3 million renovation started in April 2012 and ended in February, library officials said.

"We did this renovation in four phases so that the building was never closed down and we always had access to the resources," said library director Ken Bellafiore. The renovation was financed through library capital funds and $225,000 from the New York State Department of Education public library construction grant program.

The two-level wing features historical photos of the village and includes a teen resource activity center, reference desk, computer and language training center, senior citizen sitting area, patron services area furnished with equipment for those with hearing impairments, a cafe and a wheelchair-accessible restroom.

Patrons have access to wireless Internet, Smart Boards, computers and tablets. The library also added a business resource center.

"We want to encourage businessmen and women to come into the community and start their businesses or use the community to grow their business," Bellafiore said.

Electrical outlets were placed throughout the wing to allow phone and electronics charging, a lesson learned when libraries became go-to places for the powerless after superstorm Sandy, programming librarian Maryellen Cantanno said.

"I wasn't here that much before, but now I am," said Jeffrey Johnson, 36, of Freeport, a substitute teacher, sales manager and youth football coach who was at the library writing college recommendation letters. "The ambience is conducive to studying. That's why I came here instead of being home."

The reopening celebration will be held at the library, 144 W. Merrick Rd., from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and coincides with National Library Week.