Nesconset-Smithtown Library Closes to Relocate to New Building

The Nesconset branch of the Smithtown Special Library District closed at noon on Friday to begin moving to its new home built on the site of the former armory.  

Library Director Robert Lusak said staff will spend Friday packing up their desks, office supplies and other library contents to prepare for the three-day move to the armory site. A moving company has been hired to box up all of the library's books, DVDs and magazines and reorganize them at their new permanent home, Lusak said. 

"We used them when we did our Commack move," the director said. "They'll have a crew of at least 10 or so. They are very well versed in the process." 

In addition to relocating the Nesconset branch, the Smithtown Special Library District's technical service department and administrative offices will be moving into second floor of the building.  

The new home of the Nesconset branch has been under construction since March 2010 as part of the Smithtown Special Library District's $21 million renovation project, which affects each of its four branches. 

Nesconset was initially scheduled to be open in mid-May, following the grand re-opening of the Commack branch on April 14. However, delays in construction pushed back the opening.  

Lusak said renovating the abandoned Nesconset armory presented many challenges early during its reconstruction.  

"There was graffiti throughout the building. There was broken glass in all of the windows. There were holes in the roof, so birds and other critters had come in and built nests. It had become a wildlife sanctuary," the director said.

Lusak said patrons will be amazed by the transformation that has taken place during the Nesconset branch's opening on June 30 at 10 a.m. The construction team will be on hand to answer questions residents have as they explore the new building.

A grand opening ceremony for the new Nesconset location is being planned for July.  

"We are in the process of lining up our guest speakers and planning some festivities we want to make part of the celebration," Lusak said.  

Now that Nesconset is complete, the Smithtown branch will be the next to close for renovations after the Fourth of July holiday weekend, the director said. The staff will be temporarily reassigned to work at either the Nesconset or Commack branches, as Kings Park is also under construction. 

Lusak said renovations at the Kings Park branch are proceeding according to schedule, as construction workers poured the foundation for the library's new wings this week. The director said his goal is to have both the Kings Park and Smithtown branch renovations finished and open to the public by the end of 2011, beginning of 2011.