$24.7 Million Half Hollow Hills Library Opens

DIX HILLS, NY — The new Half Hollow Hills Library opened in March, and the grand opening is scheduled for noon on May 1, according to a news release from the library.

The $24.7 million library was funded by a combination of the $14.5 million bond approved by residents in October 2017 and the library’s capital reserves.

The new library, at 55 Vanderbilt Parkway, Dix Hills, boasts a teaching kitchen with a double-oven/air fryer, stove, dishwasher, sink and refrigerator for cooking classes; outdoor space for children; gaming area for teens; children’s playroom; state of the art live-streaming technology; as well as a fully accessible auditorium with a movie screen.

The building also includes a multi-purpose room with wood-sprung flooring for a variety of fitness classes and more.

The three-floor library will also feature large windows offering natural light, charging ports for personal electronics, wide book rows, an elevator, and more handicap parking. The library also has 10 meeting spaces for community organizations.

"We are beyond excited to finally be ready to give the community what they deserve," Library Director Helen Crosson stated.

Library staff said it's time for the community to come together in a communal space as coronvirus infection rates are falling.

"This is a library for a post-COVID world," the library stated.

The building has MERV-15 filters with the intent of making the library as safe as possible while society returns to normalcy.

"It took years of dreaming, planning and effort to bring this building to fruition,” said Jacob Goldman, president of the Half Hollow Hills Community Library Board of Trustees. “The construction of the building was the first step. Now, our amazing staff will fill it with a myriad of wonderful events and activities for patrons of all ages to enjoy for many years to come."

This library has green features, such as solar panels, GeoCool underground AC, Innovative Alternative Septic System to protect the local water supply, dual-pane windows, sustainable interior design with porcelain tile, cork and concrete floors, LED lighting, recycled building materials, and an electric car charging station.

It will also have a food drop available for donations to help combat local food insecurity.

“This Library is for the future, and it is for the community," Crosson said. "We listened to what the community wanted, but also what they needed, and we answered those very requests to make a public space for all.”

Roughly 80 percent of the building is dedicated to public space, allowing for rooms to be requested by local organizations for events.

During the COVID-19-related closures in March 2020, the library initially held virtual programs online. In June 2020, when it reopened, Park and Pick Up as well as Grab and Go kits began in a bid to keep the community safe.

"We never stopped serving residents during COVID," Crosson said.

Final costs for the project are still being computed. Total expenses are estimated at $24.7 million, 80 percent of which can be attributed to the prime contractors.

During the library's final full year of operation before construction, the number of yearly patron visits was approximately 300,000. Crosson expects that number to only increase with the new building.