Waldinger gets grants for coffee spot, programs

Mamie Eng, director of the Henry Waldinger Memorial Library, shows were a new counter-top seating area will be created.

Andrew Hackmack/Herald

The vestibule at the main entrance of the Henry Waldinger Memorial Library will be expanded to create a new seating area.

Courtesy Mamie Eng

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Construction is expected to begin in March on an expansion to the vestibule at the Henry Waldinger Memorial Library, which will create a new seating area for patrons who want to have a cup of coffee while they read.

The village board approved the $21,480 project at its January meeting. A library construction aid grant will cover half of the cost, with the village picking up the rest.

The vestibule at the library’s main entrance will be expanded within the building. It will require moving some seats, as well as newspaper and magazine racks. New glass partitions will be added and an “L” shaped counter will be installed with six to eight seats.

Library Director Mamie Eng said there is very limited meeting space in the library, so this will give people a place to go and talk. Patrons are also discouraged from eating and drinking in the library. They will be able to go to the vestibule to enjoy a snack or beverage. “If you want to eat, it’s fine to eat there,” Eng said.

The village awarded five separate contracts to complete the work. T.P. Glass and Mirror of Hicksville will install new windows and frames. Keller Plumbing and Heating of Valley Stream will reconfigure the baseboard heating system in the area. Sunshine Blinds of Valley Stream will install new window shades.

Bayshore-based A.K. Kropp Company will put in the stools and counter top, and My Carpet of Valley Stream will take care of the ceramic floor tile installation.

“Any time we can carve out a space and give it a purpose, I think it’s a positive,” Eng said.

Mayor Ed Fare said this is another step in improving library services for residents of the village. He pointed to the creation of an outdoor reading room, as well as the addition of Sunday hours. “I’m thrilled to see the coffee shop concept moving forward,” he said.

The construction will cause some minor disruptions, Eng said. There will likely be a few days when the main entrance will be closed, and patrons will have to use the children’s room entrance.

The library also received a $20,000 grant from State Sen. Dean Skelos for programs. Eng said this will help the library continue many popular programs it offers.