The Plainview-Old Bethpage Public Library will be undergoing a Family Restroom/Café Renovation Project that is expected to be completed by May 2024. 

A new Family Restroom with modern, gender, and family-inclusive facilities will be constructed adjacent to the existing Womens’ Restroom on the main floor of our western vestibule. Family restrooms are designed to be barrier-free spaces with the goal of improving accessibility and inclusiveness.  This oversized restroom will allow parents and caregivers a much-needed space to assist with their attendees and will also provide a safe space for anyone who is not comfortable using a multi-stall restroom.

A new café will utilize the space at the eastern entrance, repurposing an underutilized storage closet.  Visitors can purchase coffee and treats to enjoy in this dedicated space.

Our goals for implementing a library café are to broaden our user base, enhance the library’s aesthetics, and further establish the library as a central community-gathering place. We are excited to announce that we will offer a full-service café to be run by independent vendor, well-known and established coffee connoisseur Mongo’s.  Mongo’s coffees are all sourced through partners that share a commitment to quality, fair price, and sustainable horticultural practices.  They take pride in freshly baked goods and foods made from the best ingredients and are excited to offer their services to our community.   

We continue to remain committed to providing excellent customer service to our valued community during each phase of construction and expect little disruption during your visits with us. 

The library intends to be open regular hours during construction. However, there may be an occasion for closing off some spaces for safety reasons. We will continue to offer the same great services and programs during this project. These exciting projects should be completed within 3-5 months. We will keep you updated as the projects continue. Please call the library at 516-938-0077 ext 239 with questions or concerns you may have. 

This project will be funded in part by the New York State Public Library Construction Aid Program.

Updates

June 5, 2024

The Completion of the Family Restroom

The completion of the family, gender-neutral, and handicapped-accessible restroom within our Library represents a significant stride toward inclusivity and accessibility. It stands as a testament to our commitment to ensuring that everyone feels welcome and accommodated. This newly constructed facility not only addresses the diverse needs of individuals and families but also embodies our collective dedication to fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment for all.

Gone are the days of parents juggling the challenges of caring for young children in cramped, ill-equipped restrooms. Parents can now attend to their children's needs with ease and comfort. This designated family restroom provides a safe and convenient space for families to navigate the demands of childcare while out and about in the community.

Recognizing the importance of providing restroom facilities that are inclusive of all gender identities, the introduction of gender-neutral restrooms represents a significant step forward in promoting gender equality and acceptance. This facility provides a welcoming environment for individuals of all gender expressions and identities, ensuring that everyone feels respected, valued, and able to access essential services without fear of discrimination or discomfort.

In addition to catering to the needs of families and individuals of diverse gender identities, the completion of this handicapped-accessible restroom reinforces our commitment to accessibility and inclusivity for people with disabilities. Featuring wide doorways, accessible fixtures, and ample space for maneuverability, this restroom provides a dignified and accommodating experience for individuals with mobility challenges, ensuring that everyone can access essential facilities with ease and independence.

By providing safe, accessible, and welcoming spaces for families, individuals of all gender identities, and people with disabilities, this restroom not only meets practical needs but also sends a powerful message of acceptance, respect, and support for everyone in our community. As we continue on our journey towards greater inclusivity and equity, let us draw inspiration from these accomplishments and reaffirm our commitment to building a community where everyone belongs and thrives.

May 8, 2024

We are thrilled to provide the community with an update on the construction of its much-anticipated Café and Family Restroom, two exciting additions to the local landscape. Significant milestones have been achieved as construction progresses, bringing us closer to realizing this dynamic community space.  

We are pleased to report the following updates on the project:

1. Structural Development: The structural framework of the Café and Family Restroom is now complete, marking a significant milestone in the construction process. With sturdy foundations and carefully crafted architecture, the café's design is taking shape, reflecting the unique character and charm of our community.
2. Interior Design Highlights: Interior design work is well underway, with attention to detail being a top priority. From the layout of seating areas to the selection of materials and finishes, every aspect of these spaces is thoughtfully curated to create an inviting and comfortable atmosphere for patrons to enjoy.
3. Family-Friendly Amenities: Specialized amenities, such as child-friendly fixtures and diaper-changing stations, are being installed to accommodate the unique needs of families with young children. These features are intended to provide added convenience and comfort, making visits to our facility more enjoyable for parents and caregivers.
4. Accessibility Enhancements: Accessibility is a top priority in the design and construction of the family restroom, with features such as grab bars, non-slip flooring, and wheelchair-accessible facilities being incorporated to ensure that all individuals can use the restroom safely and independently.
5. Kitchen and Culinary Preparations: The heart of any café is its kitchen, and we are excited to announce that the installation of equipment and fixtures is beginning to take shape. 
6. Exterior Beautification: Exterior enhancements, including landscaping and outdoor seating areas, are being integrated to enhance the café's curb appeal and create an inviting ambiance for visitors. These outdoor spaces will provide additional opportunities for community members to come together and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of our café.

March 25, 2024

 For those of you who visit the Library regularly, you can see that our construction effort continues while maintaining the same quality of services and programs daily.

• The existing floors for the new cafe area have been removed and the framing of the space continues.
• Existing floors for the new Family Restroom are being worked on as well!

March 11, 2024

We have kicked off a productive first week of construction!

~ Temporary walls have been installed to contain the dust and noise

~ Demolition of the underutilized storage closet has opened up the space

~ The New Family Restroom is beginning to take shape!

If you have any questions regarding this ​​renovation project, please email mferro@poblib.org or
call 516-938-0077 Ext 239.

March 4, 2024

We are excited to announce that we have begun to create our Café and Family Restroom!  Renovations are underway, and lots of activity is happening at the East Entrance of our building.  

Please note that until further notice, the East Entrance doorways are closed to the public.  While we recognize that this may be inconvenient, please understand that this measure is essential for advancing the renovation project. We are extremely grateful to our library users for doing their best to be patient and flexible in using the West Entrance doors to enter the building.  

To ensure safety and manage the ​​renovation area effectively, ​temporary walls will be placed around the designated closed-off area​s. Please be mindful of ​these spaces and cooperate with any additional instructions or signage that may be in place.

If you have any questions regarding this ​​renovation project, noise levels, or related matters, please feel free to email mferro@poblib.org or call 516-938-0077 ext 239.