Manhasset Library renovations to be unveiled in late March

Rose Weldon
A rendering of one of the planned quiet study areas in the Manhasset Public Library. (Photos courtesy of the Manhasset Public Library)

The results of the Manhasset Public Library’s first few renovations are scheduled to be opened to the public in late March, the library says.

As interior renovations continue, library representative Lisa Hendrickson said, the first phase of the upgrades, which will affect the building’s Teen Zone, is expected to be completed at the end of this month and open for use by patrons next month.

“There is considerable progress towards completing the first phase of the project and we look forward to opening it for use in late March,” Maggie Gough, the library’s director, said in a statement. “Due to our careful planning, there has been no interruption of library services and few inconveniences to anyone at the facility.”

Further upgrades on 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.

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.

Architect Elisabeth Martin, principal of MDA Designgroup, which designed and is assisting in executing the upgrade, said the designers strove to integrate a variety of seating options into the library space to better serve all patrons.

“Libraries are no longer one size fits all repositories of books,” Martin said in a statement. “Today’s libraries aim to create a varied and welcoming user experience. Our design goals sought to introduce comfort, variety and expanded function throughout the library.”

During the renovation, the library has been providing curbside delivery and books by mail for patrons requesting print material and media. At the same time, it reports it has doubled its circulation of eBooks, expanded streaming platforms and provided live librarian assistance along with virtual programs.

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