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A Few Clouds Library plans second-floor renovations
Residents will be invited to weigh in on renovation
The Baldwin Public Library has announced a preliminary plan to renovate an empty section of the library, and to seek public input on what to put there.
The library announced its intention to offer a referendum on the redesign and renovation of a large, undeveloped room on the second floor at a special board of trustees meeting on Oct. 3.
Board President Shireen Abed said that the library was renovated and expanded almost 20 years ago, but never got around to fully developing an 8,500-square-foot area on the second floor, because the bond money for that project ran out. Over the years, Abed said, board members have been wondering what to do with the room, and when.
“After 20 or more years, we feel it’s time to develop this space,” she said.
The board, according to Abed, estimates that it would need a bond for $3 million to turn the room into a new, usable space with new services and equipment. If the proposal were passed in a referendum, she said, it would cost Baldwin taxpayers an estimated $25 per year in property taxes. The board hopes to sign H2M Architects + Engineers, based in Melville, to a contract to undertake the proposed renovations.
Some residents, like Dennis White, who has lived in Baldwin for 25 years, say they think a $25 increase is too much. “I don’t think the library has any real need to expand,” White said. “I come here all the time, and I think it’s fine as it is.”
While the library board enthusiastically supports the idea of renovating the space, it is seeking community input to create a comprehensive plan for its use. At last week’s meeting, trustees floated ideas including creating a business center; a makerspace, or community public workshop; a media gallery; a kitchen; or more meeting and study areas.
“I think the possibility of a business center or a makerspace can be a great way for people to express themselves and practice entrepreneurship,” said Jay Ellis, a Baldwin resident and a father of two, who supported the idea of developing the space to allow people to explore their creativity. “I think a $25 increase is fair to improve the library,” he added.
While board trustees made it clear that they were open to suggestions, they agreed on one detail for the new space — movable walls, which would make it possible to subdivide the space in a variety of ways.
As is the case in many towns on Long Island, the public library in Baldwin serves as the main community center, and Abed said she wanted to make the most of that as more development takes place downtown. “I want the library to be the shining jewel of Baldwin,” she said.
Over the years, she said, the library has often been asked for more meeting rooms and study spaces to accommodate more people. This was especially evident as the coronavirus pandemic dragged on, and a lack of meeting spaces available to the public pushed the facility to open sooner than expected as the health emergency eased.
The board said it would soon begin soliciting feedback from the public. Abed said it planned to reach out to local organizations like the Chamber of Commerce and the PTA. The next board meeting is scheduled for Oct. 19 and questions can be directed to BaldwinPL.org/contactus.
