Bayville Free Library expected to reopen soon

After years of work, the end is finally in sight for the renovations and updates of the Bayville Free Library. A project that began in 2017 has culminated in a revitalized space whose improvements not only addressed safety concerns, but also enhanced library patrons’ overall experience.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the project was the source of funding. Thanks to a generous bequest from supporters Lawrence and Serena Sperandei, the renovations were fully funded, sparing taxpayers and the village any financial burden and allowing the library to undertake a phased project without compromising on quality or safety, according to its director, Ashley Birbal.

The first phase involved relocating the village Water Department, which required redoing the Scout Rooms. Unexpected structural problems were discovered under the flooring, forcing a crucial delay, but the result is a structurally sound space now serving both the Water Department and Bayville’s Boy and Girl Scout troops.

“We found structural changes that were not obvious — they were under the flooring,” Birbal said. “That was a big delay, because we had to have an engineer come in and evaluate that. We had to have that done, and because the building belongs to the village, the village had to take care of that issue.”

She added that the Water Department’s new space, once plagued by leaks and evidence of asbestos, is now a beautiful, functional area. The Scout Room has also been transformed, merging the Boy and Girl Scout rooms into a unified, visually appealing space with added amenities like a bathroom and kitchen area.

Birbal explained that the renovations were motivated by the desire to keep up with the changing expectations of what a local library should offer its community. It was essential, she said, to make sure the library would continue to fulfill its old responsibilities while meeting new demands.

“Our focus wasn’t so much on programs,” Birbal continued. “Like a lot of libraries, it was mostly on books and education. The role of libraries has changed so much over the last 10, to 15 years. It really became a community center. And we wanted to be able to offer more robust programming without having to disrupt any of our patrons.”

The renovations addressed critical issues like the lack of space for community programs. The library’s popularity, particularly with yoga classes, made it clear that it had outgrown its available space. Pat Pileggi, the deputy treasurer of its board of directors, said the decision to expand horizontally rather than vertically not only saved money, but also allowed for the creation of a community room, a private study room and additional bathrooms.

“We went from having one bathroom that was shared by staff and public to now we have four bathrooms, and they’re all ADA-compliant, including the bathrooms in the Scout Room as well,” Pileggi said, referring to the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Last year the library joined the North Shore Programming Consortium, expanding its virtual programming offerings. Even as it reopens, those programs will continue to cater to patrons who have grown accustomed to this convenience during the pandemic.

While there is no certain reopening date, the library is optimistic about a late-January return, with the hope of a grand reopening celebration by Jan. 22. The staff is eager to welcome patrons back to a safe, comfortable, engaging environment for those of all ages.