Demolition has been completed on the first stage of renovations for the Manhasset Public Library’s interior, with the initial phase scheduled to finish in early 2021, the library says.
The renovations are focusing on the building’s Teen Zone and on the second-floor reference and non-fiction collection, expected to be completed in late February and open for use by library patrons by late March.
“We are making great progress on the renovation, and are committed to serving our library patrons during construction,” said Maggie Gough, the library’s executive director, in a statement. “Because of the current situation with the pandemic, fewer people can spend extended time in the library. This has enabled the construction schedule to move ahead with minimal interruptions to patrons and staff.”
In the Teen Zone on the third floor, the demolition is completed, along with the installation of additional electrical outlets in preparation for the various new seating configurations that will soon be set up.
The redesigned area will also include a technology counter with seven computer stations and will include newly-added safety screens separating users; and will have built-in window seating, booth seating, table seating and a conference table for a group of up to eight people, with most of the furniture being equipped with power and data ports.
On the second floor, renovation is underway on the Information Commons, a level dedicated reference, local history, and nonfiction collection. Demolition is complete and work is in the process to create varied seating areas.
Seating options created to enhance the patrons reading or study experience include tables and chairs in glazed study rooms, traditional table and chairs on the open floor, booths, lounge seating, and window seats.
The second floor will also have a new open study zone, a dedicated “History Center,” a “fireside” seating lounge, an “Entrepreneur Center,” and a glass-enclosed reference services office and desk.
Also planned for the new “fireside” lounge is a curved work counter under the window, with built-in window seats anchoring the design. The back wall of this lounge in the broad curving corner bay will feature a fireplace flanked by bookshelves. Lounge chairs will be placed on either side of the fireplace along with a centrally placed round seating unit.
Architect Elisabeth Martin, principal of MDA Designgroup says she has sought to integrate an inviting palette of color – grays, taupe, and saffron – in the finishes for the newly invigorated second-floor spaces.
“In working with the Manhasset Public Library, our team goals were to add comfort and variety in the design of the new Information Commons, replacing the standard seating arrangements and monochromatic colors with user environments that serve the wide spectrum of study preferences of Manhasset’s devoted library users,” Martin said in a statement.
Over the course of the renovation period, the library has been providing curbside delivery and book by mail for patrons requesting print material and media. At the same time, it reports has doubled its circulation of eBooks, expanded streaming platforms, and provided live librarian assistance along with virtual programs.
