Nearly $200K Headed To Huntington, Commack Area Libraries For Long-Delayed Repairs

HUNTINGTON, NY — Nearly $200,000 in state funding is heading to three public libraries serving the Huntington and Smithtown communities, supporting long-needed building improvements that library leaders say are essential to keeping facilities safe, accessible, and able to meet growing community demand.

The funding, awarded through the New York State Aid for Library Construction Program, will support capital projects at the East Northport Public Library, Harborfields Public Library in Greenlawn, and Commack Public Library. The grants focus on infrastructure needs that often operate behind the scenes — such as roofing, HVAC systems, and accessibility upgrades — but play a critical role in allowing libraries to continue offering programs, services, and public space without straining local operating budgets.

At the East Northport Public Library, $72,500 has been allocated to replace the building’s roofing system, a project Assistant Library Director Andrew Salomon said has been necessary for several years as the roof has reached the end of its expected lifespan.

“We’re very excited and very fortunate to receive the money from the New York State construction grant this year,” Salomon said. “It’s been a few years now since the roof needed to be replaced, and we do occasionally have leaks when we get a particularly rainy, windy event. This funding allows us to finally complete that roofing project, which we’re hoping to do this upcoming year.”

Salomon said the construction aid program plays an important role in protecting local tax dollars by covering major capital expenses that would otherwise compete with funding for library services and programming.

“When we have a capital improvement like this, it helps us keep community money available for services,” he said. “We’re able to take care of these necessary, one-off repairs that keep the facility in shape, and the roof is obviously essential to the structure. No one likes spending money on a roof — even at home — but it’s something you have to do.”

The roof replacement is expected to be the first phase of a broader effort to address water-related issues at the East Northport building. Salomon said the library hopes to pursue additional grant funding to complete facade work near the entrance, where water intrusion has also occurred.

“This is phase one,” Salomon said. “And then hopefully there will be a phase two if we’re able to secure additional grant money in the future to further fortify the structure.”

Salomon credited the Suffolk Cooperative Library System for helping guide libraries through the grant application process and working with the state to ensure projects move forward.

“It’s money that’s set aside in the state budget, and we work hand in hand with the Suffolk Cooperative Library System to submit these grants and navigate the process with New York State,” he said. “That partnership is really important.”

At Harborfields Public Library in Greenlawn, $75,000 in state construction aid is supporting interior renovations to parts of the historic building that date back more than a century. Library Director Ryan Athanas said the project addresses spaces that see heavy daily use but have not been significantly updated in more than 30 years.

“The Library Construction Aid program has been a huge benefit to our library,” Athanas said. “The popularity of library programs continues to increase, and we want to make sure that we’re always able to meet the needs of our community.”

Athanas said the funding is being used to renovate restrooms and a kitchen-meeting room area in the library’s Meeting Room Wing, spaces that were last renovated in 1991 and originally designed for far less daily use. He said the work brings those areas up to modern accessibility standards, improves heating and cooling, and replaces outdated fixtures that struggled during high-traffic programs.

He added that the project also improves ventilation in the kitchen area used for cooking and demonstration programs, adds modern technology for presentations, and upgrades lighting with energy-efficient fixtures, all while preserving the historic character of the building.

Athanas said that while some of the work may not be immediately visible to patrons, it is essential to support the library’s role as a community center, particularly as daily usage continues to grow.

The construction aid program is a statewide initiative supported annually by the Legislature and the governor, benefiting libraries across New York, not just individual districts.

“Our elected officials have shown us with their support in Albany that they recognize the vital work libraries do every day,” Athanas said. “That includes life-long education, small business support, employment assistance, and connecting people to the digital world.”

In Commack, the public library is slated to receive $48,000 to replace an aging HVAC system and complete related upgrades aimed at improving comfort, efficiency, and reliability throughout the building. Library officials said the project will address long-standing mechanical needs while helping control future maintenance costs.

Together, library leaders said the projects highlight how targeted infrastructure investments help preserve buildings that serve as essential public spaces.

Assemblyman Keith Brown, who represents the 12th Assembly District, which includes portions of Huntington, Smithtown, and surrounding communities, thanked library administrators, trustees, and staff for their efforts in securing this funding, as well as the New York State Library for its technical assistance throughout the application process.

“These projects represent smart investments in public infrastructure that improve safety, efficiency and access for our community,” Brown said in a release. “I’m proud to support funding that strengthens our libraries and delivers real value for local taxpayers.

Together, library leaders said the projects highlight how targeted infrastructure investments help preserve buildings that serve as essential public spaces.

"Our libraries are vital community institutions that serve residents of all ages, from students and families to seniors,” Brown said. “This funding will help modernize facilities, improve reliability, and ensure these libraries remain welcoming, functional spaces for years to come.”