Libraries Matter -- and Make a Difference

There was an interesting article in the New York Times the other day.  It was a profile of a new Children's Center built for the Queens Central Library.  Called "Discover!" and built at a cost of $30 million, it is a two-story addition built next to the Central Library.  The reporter described it as "all transparency and nonchalance.  Its facade, pierced by large windows opening the interior to the street, and vice versa, glows as day turns to night, acting like a beacon in the neighborhood and redefining a humdrum block."

The article had some interesting things to say about libraries, too.  "Today libraries double as centers for the elderly and toddler playrooms.  They're safe after-school havens for teenagers of working parents, with rooms set aside that are stocked with computers and, at a few branches like the Rockaways, even with recording studios."

"Libraries have become modern town squares and gathering places; they offer millions of New Yorkers employments counseling, English-language classes and, crucially, Internet access."

"To imagine that libraries could remain as they were half a century ago would entail wishing away the Web and the demands of old people, immigrants, the unemployed, schoolchildren and parents who want constructive places to keep their young children occupied at a time when public resources and political good will are in increasignly short supply."

We are indeed lucky to not only have one library in Great Neck, but a branch system as well, with four locations to serve you.  We know that libraries matter.  They can make a difference in many people's lives.

Dattner Architects: An Important Partner in the Library Project

We are proud to have the firm of Dattner Architects to design our new building.  Our Board has directed their professionals to incorporate best environmental practices into the project since its inception. That means a healthier, more energy efficient building, minimal site impact, and the opportunity to be a green and healthy neighbor to a clean and newly-dredged Udall's pond after decades of neglect. We owe the latter improvement to Nassau County’s dredging project that is scheduled to begin soon.

Dattner Architects have a long record of sustainable design projects, the latest of which was cited on The New York Times September 26, 2011 front page. The Times reported that Dattner is a design partner in a “green” Bronx housing complex which, "goes out of its way to be healthy."  In fact, for Dattner, incorporating green and healthy elements is not at all unusual.

When it comes to environmental respect, Dattner is also at the forefront. Our library addition will not be built on a wetland.  As clearly stated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Town of North Hempstead, the building project must stay behind a "line of non-jurisdiction" the DEC draws to ensure an environmentally sensitive area will not be disturbed by any building next to it.  This very issue was made clear to our architects from the start.  In response, Dattner designed the addition to go no further than the existing patio area to ensure our project stays as far from Udall’s pond as possible. 

As Dattner put together a cost estimate for this project, their firm listed some options for the Board to consider.   Some of these items that have been taken out of the project were removed for reasons our opponents often cite: cost considerations.  These will be considered by the Board as possible alternates if the budget permits.  But Dattner has assured the Library that bird friendly glass is part of the project. Both the Town Board and the Library Board recognize the importance of bird-friendly glass next to a bird sanctuary, which will attract even more birds once it is dredged.

 The Board has made clear that while the main library will be closed during construction, a temporary facility will serve the community during that time. Dattner has assured us that closing the main library will allow the project to be built most quickly, economically and safely.

Far from harming Udall's Pond, the renovation project and related site work will complement the County's dredging plan and insure the long term viability of the pond. As to the irresponsible claim by referendum opponents that the new addition might jeopardize the foundation of the existing building, this is not based on any facts according to Dattner.

      The Library Board considered the option of simply renovating the existing space without any expansion. Estimated to cost $13.5 million, this option would not have met some basic program improvements requested by the public and the Library.  We would have saved some money but not gotten what the community needs.  The Board feels that the option they approved in January, 2010 best represents a prudent balance between the community's wishes and resources, and will insure the long term future of the library.

Our opponents dispute the need for an expansion. They are entitled to their opinion. Over a decade worth of visioning studies, numerous architects plans, public hearings and surveys suggest otherwise.