Library Construction Project

• Project Details:
  General Updates

  Update - November 20, 2025

  POB Library: A Newly Renovated Space for Our Community

  As part of our ongoing effort to offer a safe, modern, and welcoming space, the Plainview-Old Bethpage Public Library is excited to share the completion of our recent renovation. Over the past few weeks, key upgrades and improvements were made to ensure the long-term safety, comfort, and sustainability of our facility. We’re excited to share the improvements that have transformed your library:

  Energy-efficient LED lighting illuminates both the interior and exterior of the building, enhancing visibility while reducing energy costs.

  Much of our previous lighting system was original to the building and had become outdated, inefficient, and costly to maintain. By transitioning to LED fixtures, we have made a smart investment in both the safety of our patrons and the long-term sustainability of the library. This upgrade reflects our dedication to maintaining a safe, welcoming, and cost-effective environment for our community.

  A new, high-efficiency boiler has replaced our original unit from the 1960s, improving heating performance and sustainability.

  Our building’s original boiler was no longer functional and could not provide the reliable heating needed to keep the library comfortable during colder months. The installation of a modern, high-efficiency boiler marks another major step in cost savings, improving comfort, safety, and sustainability.

  Additional ADA-compliant study rooms expand access to quiet, functional spaces for all patrons.

  These spaces are designed with accessibility in mind, ensuring that all patrons—including those using mobility devices or with other accessibility needs—can make full use of the library’s study and work areas. These additions reflect our ongoing mission to provide inclusive, flexible, and comfortable spaces for everyone.

  A refreshed Family Center provides a brighter, more engaging experience for children and families.

  The library’s Family Center has undergone a much-anticipated update to make the space even more welcoming and enjoyable for families of all ages. Working with a team of artists, we reimagined the Family Center to create an environment that is both inviting and practical. This project demonstrates our ongoing effort to ensure the library remains a warm and engaging place for children, parents, and caregivers.

  Parking lot restriping and a new outdoor book drop improve safety, visibility, and accessibility.

  In addition to the book drop replacement, the library’s parking lot has been repainted and restriped to enhance organization and safety. Clear, visible striping, directional arrows, and updated signage will help with better traffic flow, safer pedestrian movement, and a more accessible environment for all patrons. We kindly ask all drivers to follow the posted directional signs and drive in the correct direction to ensure the safety of everyone using the lot.

  A new backup generator ensures reliability during power outages and continues to serve as a vital community resource.

  For decades, our generator has enabled the library to serve as a safe community space during power outages. Families and individuals have depended on us for light, heat, and connection in times of need. Unfortunately, the previous generator had reached the end of its service life and needed replacement.

  Update - October 22, 2025

  The Plainview-Old Bethpage Public Library is pleased to announce that the Library will reopen on Sunday, October 26, from

  11:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with regular operating hours and full services resuming.

  Please note that some areas of the building will remain temporarily restricted for safety reasons as construction continues.

  We thank the community for their continued support!

  Update - October 10, 2025

  

  Dear Community Members,

  We are pleased to share that construction at the Plainview-Old Bethpage Public Library is well underway! Significant progress has been made as we move forward with our renovation project designed to enhance the library’s facilities and create a more modern, energy-efficient, and welcoming space for all.

  Recent construction activities include:

  • Ceiling grid removal throughout the building as part of the renovation process.
    
    
  • Temporary interior lighting installation to ensure safe and efficient work conditions during construction.
    
    
  • Protective covering of shelving units to safeguard our collection and furnishings.
    
    
  • Abatement and removal of the vintage boiler, followed by air quality testing confirming safe conditions.
    
    

  We appreciate the community’s patience and understanding as we work through this exciting transformation. Our goal is to complete the project safely and efficiently, resulting in an improved library experience for everyone.

  Please continue to visit www.poblib.org for updates on construction progress, service availability, and reopening information.

  Thank you for your continued support of the Plainview-Old Bethpage Public Library.

  If you have any questions regarding this renovation project, noise levels, or related matters, please feel free to email [email protected] or call 516-938-0077 ext 239.

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  Indoor/ Outdoor Lighting

  UPGRADING TO LED LIGHTING
  We are excited to share that the library will be replacing all indoor and outdoor lighting fixtures with new LED (Light Emitting Diode) technology. This project is part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining a safe, welcoming, and cost-effective environment for our community.

  WHY THE CHANGE?
  Our current lighting system, much of which is original to the building, has become outdated, inefficient, and costly to maintain. By upgrading to LED fixtures, we will be making a smart investment in both the safety of our patrons and the long-term sustainability of the library.

  COST SAVINGS

  • Lower Energy Bills: LEDs use up to 75% less energy than traditional lighting, which will result in substantial annual savings for the library.
  • Longer Lifespan: With an average lifespan of 10–15 years, LED fixtures reduce the need for frequent replacements, saving on maintenance costs and staff time. 
  • Environmental Responsibility: By consuming less energy, LEDs reduce the library’s carbon footprint, aligning with our goal to operate sustainably and responsibly.

   

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  Boiler Replacement

  Our building’s original boiler, installed in the 1960s, is no longer functional and cannot provide the heating required to keep the library comfortable during colder months.

  COST SAVING:

  • Reliable Heating: A modern boiler will ensure consistent warmth throughout the building, allowing visitors and staff to enjoy a safe and comfortable environment.
  • Energy Efficiency: Newer systems use significantly less energy, lowering utility costs and reducing our environmental impact.
  • Dependability: Replacing an outdated system eliminates the risk of unexpected breakdowns, which in the past led to uncomfortable conditions for patrons.

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  Generator Replacement

  A SAFE SPACE IN EMERGENCIES
  For decades, our generator has allowed the library to serve as a community safe space during power outages. Families and individuals have relied on us for light, heat, and connection in times of need. Unfortunately, the current generator is at the end of its service life and must be replaced.

  WHY THIS MATTERS:

  • Community Safety: A new generator ensures the library can continue to provide shelter and support when outages occur.
  • Uninterrupted Services: Essential systems— lighting, internet, heating, and security— will remain available during emergencies.
  • Reliability: A modern generator will guarantee that the library is prepared to serve as a gathering place whenever the community needs us most.

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  Additional Study Rooms

  Our library continues to grow alongside the needs of our community. One of the most frequent requests we receive is for additional study and work spaces. At peak times, our existing rooms quickly reach capacity, leaving many patrons without a quiet place to read, study, or meet.

  To address this, the library will install additional ADA-compliant study rooms. These new rooms are designed with accessibility in mind, ensuring that all patrons, including those with mobility devices or other accessibility needs can make full use of the spaces.

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  Refresh for Family Center

  The library’s Family Center will receive a much-anticipated refresh, designed to make the space even more welcoming and enjoyable for families of all ages.

  Working with a team of artists, we will be reimagining the Family Center to create an environment that is both inviting and functional. This project reflects our commitment to ensuring the library remains a warm and engaging destination for children, parents, and caregivers.

  WHAT’S CHANGING?

  • New Flooring: The Family Center will receive updated flooring to create a clean, bright, and comfortable space for reading, playing, and learning.
  • Artist’s Touch: The refreshed space will feature a thoughtful layout and warm, inviting colors to make every visit enjoyable.
  • More Welcoming Atmosphere: The updates will enhance the sense of community and connection that the Family Center has always provided.

  WHY THIS MATTERS

  The Family Center is one of the most cherished parts of our library, and this refresh ensures that it continues to be a safe, engaging, and beautiful space for years to come. Whether families are here for storytime, play, or quiet reading, they will find an environment that encourages learning, creativity, and togetherness.

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  Parking Lot Safety and Outdoor Book Drop

  Over the years, the existing outdoor bookdrop has become damaged and hazardous and no longer functions as efficiently as needed. The new design will improve accessibility for drivers and pedestrians, making it easier and safer to return materials at any time of day. In addition to the bookdrop replacement, we will also be repainting the parking lot stripes. Clear and visible striping and additional arrows and signs are essential for creating organized parking, maintaining proper traffic flow, and ensuring pedestrian safety.