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File photo by Rachel Shapiro

By Emily Mandracchia

Following the closure of Smithtown Library’s lower floor due to flooding, the area was reopened with limited services. The lower floor plan, several times larger than the main floor plan, would require millions of dollars to renovate and atter to prevent damage from future storms and floods.

On July 1, members of the Smithtown Special Library District voted on a $16.5 million bond referendum to be used for the repairs, where 997 approved the bond and 413 opposed it for a total of 1410 voters. 

Although the library can secure Federal Emergency Management Agency money, the timeline of when they can possess and use this money is unclear. The library already secured $314,304 from FEMA, a reimbursement for immediate disaster relief efforts following the 12-hour period of water accumulation, like removing debris and pumping water out of the building. 

The $16.5 million is considered the most money that would be used for the project without FEMA funding, and the district is hoping that some of the repairs can be partially funded. 

“On behalf of the library’s board of trustees and staff, I want to thank all residents who participated in the important vote. As a result of your overwhelming support, we are looking forward to restoring and introducing many important resources that will make the library a vibrant, welcoming hub for learning and collective engagement” commented Rob Lusak. 

“I encourage everyone to visit our website in order to follow the progress of this reconstruction project,” he added. For more information visit the library website: www.smithlib.org.

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Photo from Emma Clark Library

An annual summer tradition, Emma Clark Library, 120 Main St., Setauket will be collecting nonperishable food items from July 7 to August 17.

Food pantries often see bare shelves during the summer and need help with restocking items for those who are food insecure. Library teen & tween volunteers will be distributing the items to various local food pantries and nonprofit organizations throughout the community.

A donation table will be located in the Library lobby to the left of the Circulation Desk, and all are welcome to donate during Library hours. Some suggestions for food items include cereal, peanut butter, jelly, canned fruits and vegetables, rice, beans, tuna fish, juice, gum, snacks (pretzels, granola bars, trail mix, cookies), pasta, and pasta sauce.

If you have any questions about the Food Drive or would like to become a teen/tween volunteer, you may contact [email protected].

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Boardwalk Nights returns on July 31.

The Dennis Cannataro Summer Concert Series returns to the Smithtown Library, 1 North Country Road, Smithtown beginning on July 10 at 7:30 p.m.

“I am thrilled to welcome back the Dennis Cannataro Family Summer Concert Series to the Smithtown Library considering the damage that was done to the inside of this library during last August’s horrendous rainstorm that caused major flooding. I congratulate and thank Library Director Rob Lusak and his staff for the work they have done to make portions of the library open for the residents,” said Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta who obtained a county grant for the library to host the concert series.

The free concerts provide a wonderful opportunity for families and friends to gather on the lawn of the Smithtown Main Library to spend time together, relax and enjoy the music. The concerts, which begin at 7:30 p.m., will continue through August 14. Local tribute bands provide entertainment by playing the music of such legends as The Beatles, The Police & Sting and the music of the 80s, 90, and 2000s. The schedule is as follows:

July 10 – Teddy Kumpel and Nome Sane?
July 17 – David Clark’s All About Joel
July 24 – Radio Active – Hits of the 80s, 90s, & 2000s
July 31 – Boardwalk Nights Tribute to the Jersey Shore
August 7 – Penny Lane- Beatles Tribute Band
August 14 – Demolition Band – The Police & Sting Experience

Prior to the main concert, students from Rock & Roll U or the Musicology School in Smithtown will entertain the audience at 7 p.m. In addition, a local resident sings the National Anthem. Bring seating.

“The free shows provide a great opportunity for everyone to enjoy themselves, hear some great music and to support our downtown merchants and local restaurants,” said Legislator Trotta.

For more information or in case of inclement weather on the day of the event, please go to the Smithtown Library’s website at www.smithlib.org or call 631-360-2480 ext.150 after 3 p.m.

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Diagram courtesy of John Tanzi Architects

By Sabrina Artusa

On July 1, residents within the Smithtown Special Library District will vote on a $16.5 million bond referendum, which would allow the partially opened Smithtown library to finance the restoration of the destroyed lower floor.

After a 100-year storm delivered a deluge of water collected over about a 12-hour period to the library, which sits at a lower grade, the library now needs $16.5 million to return to its full operating capacity. 

Library officials have submitted records of the damage to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, but the timeline of when the funding will be reimbursed is uncertain. While they hope FEMA will cover most of the damage, they need the funding to proceed with repairs before they can submit the request. 

The project would increase the tax rate by $5.722 per $1,000 of a homeowner’s assessed residence value. Residences assessed at $6,000 may pay around $391 in library taxes and will pay an additional $34.33 per year for the next 15 years.

Smithtown Library Business Manager Jennifer Piano works with the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services to coordinate with FEMA. “It has to go through levels of approval,” she said. 

In May, the Library secured $314,304 from FEMA, but the timeline of when they would possess that money was unclear. Staff knew their application was approved but did not know when they would receive the money until the moment they got the check. The money was reimbursement for immediate disaster remediation efforts, like removing debris and pumping water out of the building. 

Library officials have been charged with analyzing the damage and measuring the costs for repairs. Each step is scrupulously checked by FEMA. “They make us work hard to make sure all the information is correct,” said Smithtown Library Director Rob Lusak. The process is lengthy but ensures the proper management of funds. 

The capital improvement project would restore the offices, community rooms and collection area and enhance flood preventative measures, move the collection of rare and antique books to the first floor and add a government services department. 

John Tanzi, of the architectural firm John Tanzi Architects, will design the lower floor with the additions and the space on the main level in the Long Island room for the Richard Handley Collection of Long Island Americana. The increased height of the retaining wall is pivotal in preventing future flooding, Tanzi said, as it would allow the water to flow toward the front of the building naturally, following the natural grade counters of the land. “It would just push its way out naturally,” he said. 

In addition, the drainage wells will be expanded in both diameter and height to 12 by 12 feet, allowing for a holding capacity of 240,000 gallons; however, these drainage wells cannot handle the volume of water that flowed to the library last summer, he said. The sump pumps, which were clogged with debris on the day of the storm, are a “miniscule” factor in abating flooding, he added, although they help in preventing overflow in the stairwells. 

The $16.5 million the library is asking for is a “worst-case scenario,” said Tanzi, and prepares for the possibility that the library will not receive any more financial help from FEMA. 

“Once the green light has been given, then John can go ahead with repairs,” Lusak said of the vote on July 1.

There will be separate, public bids for contractors for electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilation and air conditioning and construction, which will use around half of the $16.5 million.

For more information visit the library website:  www.smithlib.org.

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Summer is the perfect time to read a book and who better to ask for suggestions than our local librarians? From love stories to thrillers and everything in between, these newly released books are the top picks to add to your list. A special thanks to all of the libraries that participated in our survey.

For Adults

Atmosphere: A Love Story 

by Taylor Jenkins Reid

“From the bestselling author of Daisy Jones & the Six and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, comes this engrossing tale to kick off the summer.  Following female astronauts in the 1980s, her characters wrestle with sexism, identity, and forbidden romance in the fast-paced world of the space program.  If you enjoy stories with both action and emotional depth you can’t go wrong adding this to your TBR list!”

— Christine Parker-Morales, Adult Services Librarian, Comsewogue Public Library

The Tenant 

by Freida McFadden

“McFadden’s books are perfect beach reads if you like a thriller with a twist. The Tenant is the best selling author’s latest book that is sure to have you on the edge of your seat.”

— Erin Schaarschmidt, Head of Adult Services at Port Jefferson Free Library

Not Quite Dead Yet 

by Holly Jackson 

“Holly Jackson’s adult debut is a twisty thriller where a woman has to solve her own murder.” 

— Elizabeth M., Librarian, Middle Country Public Library 

Jane and Dan at the End of the World by Colleen Oakley

“[This book] is a whirlwind of fun. It’s entertaining, smart and funny. The perfect summer read.”

— Rallyn Tucker, Adult Reference Librarian, Emma Clark Library

One Italian Summer 

by Rebecca Serle

“This novel blends grief, self-discovery, and magical realism in the beautiful Amalfi Coast. Katy, devastated by the death of her mother and best friend, Carol, embarks alone on a trip they had planned to take together to Positano, Italy. It is there that Katy meets her mother — not as she knew her, but as a vibrant 30-year-old woman. This reunion forces Katy to see her mother in a new light and reevaluate the course of her own life.  It is a moving novel that lets you reflect on love, family, and finding oneself after loss.”

— Amanda Lentino, Adult Reference Coordinator, The Smithtown Library

For Teens/Tweens

Honeysuckle and Bone 

by Trisha Tobias 

“[This book] is a modern gothic thriller, reminiscent of the classic novella, “The Turn of the Screw,” crossed with modern YA mystery tropes. It’s set in a lushly detailed environment that screams for a film adaptation. This new YA book is not to miss!”

—  Emily Ostrander, Head Librarian of the Teen & Tween Services Department, Emma Clark Library

Sunrise on the Reaping 

by Suzanne Collins

Sunrise on the Reaping revisits the world of Panem twenty-four years before the events of The Hunger Games, starting on the morning of the reaping of the Fiftieth Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell. 

—  Kristine T., Librarian, Middle Country Public Library

The Romantic Tragedies of a Drama King 

by Harry Trevaldwyn 

— Sal Filosa, Head of Teen and Technical Services at Port Jefferson Free Library

After Life 

by Gayle Forman 

[This book] is an emotional and thought-provoking story that explores grief, identity, and the importance of second chances. The characters feel relatable, making it easy to connect with their struggles and growth. The book’s heartfelt message and compelling storytelling make it hard to put down.  

— Colleen Navins, Teen Services Coordinator, The Smithtown Library

For Children

Cincinnati Lee, Curse Breaker

by Heidi Heilig

“Children will love reading this book for its fast-paced adventure, clever twists, and a hero they can root for. With a mysterious curse to unravel, magical secrets around every corner, and the excitement of travel and exploration without ever leaving home, it’s the perfect page-turner to spark imaginations. Young readers will be hooked from the first chapter!”

— Marcela Lenihan, Children’s Librarian, Emma Clark Library

Other recommendations include:

“Sylvia Doe and the 100-Year Flood” by Robert Beatty (8-12 Years) — Kimberly Manise, Head of Children’s Services, Port Jefferson Free Library

“Don’t Trust Fish” by Neil Sharpson (3-6 year-olds) — Cassidy O., Middle Country Public Library

“Will the Pigeon Graduate?” by Mo Willems — Maggie Moloney, Children’s Services Coordinator, The Smithtown Library

“Swimming into Trouble” by Angela Ahn (1st through 3rd grades) — By Tracy L., Librarian, Middle Country Public Library

“Will the Pigeon Graduate?” by Mo Willems — Maggie Moloney, Children’s Services Coordinator, The Smithtown Library

“Monster Locker” by Jorge Augusto Aguirre (4th through 6th grades) — Kristen T., Middle Country Public Library

“Nothing Bad Happens Here” by Rachel Ekstrom-Courage — Jenny Cammarano, Library, Comsewogue Public Library

This article originally appeared in TBR News Media’s Summer Times supplement on June 19.

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The Smithtown Library's Main Branch. Photo courtesy of smithlib.org

Smithtown Special Library District Board of Trustees adopt resolution to move  forward with public vote on financing for capital improvement project Public vote to be held on Tuesday, July 1 

At its May 6 special meeting, the Board of Trustees of the Smithtown Special Library  District adopted a resolution to proceed with a community vote on Tuesday, July 1, on the  financing of capital improvement work. The Board is proposing renovations to the  Library’s Smithtown Building, located at One North Country Road, to address damage  caused by the catastrophic storm of August 2024. 

“As most residents are aware, the Smithtown Building suffered devastating damage  to its lower level due to the tremendous level of flooding experienced from the storm,” Library Director Rob Lusak said. “The lower level remains unusable and in need of  significant renovations. It is our hope to reimagine and rebuild the space so that it can once  again serve as a vital resource for the community.” 

Funding will be used to renovate the space to house the Library’s LearnLab (the  makerspace area), a podcast studio for community use, study areas and room for Literacy  Suffolk, which provides literacy services to adults. 

Additionally, the lower level will accommodate the Library’s newly established  Government Services Department, which will house the Patent and Trademark Resource  Center and Passport Acceptance Facility. It will also house the Library’s new Federal  Depository Library collection, which will provide free and open access to government  documents.  

“Our Library was designated as a federal depository library last summer; however,  due to the flood, we were not able to allocate space for this collection,” Lusak said. “We’re  pleased to make this significant addition available to the community.” 

The Richard H. Handley Collection of Long Island Americana (better known to  residents as the “Long Island Room”) will be relocated to the first floor of the building in  museum-quality shelving with temperature and humidity controls, UV-protective glass and  other archival standards in place to preserve and protect the historic documents. 

The total cost of the proposed construction is not to exceed $16.5 million. While it is  anticipated that FEMA funding and/or funds from other sources will be used to pay or  reimburse all or most of the improvement costs, the Library must plan to finance the full  amount to ensure the project can move forward without delay, regardless of the timing or  availability of outside funding.  

This will be done using a combination of bond financing (including the use of bond  anticipation notes, “BANS”) to fund the work in a responsible and cost-effective manner.  BANs are one-year notes that allow the Library to begin construction while it waits for  reimbursement from FEMA. This approach affords the Library the flexibility to finance only  that which it needs and therefore potentially reduce borrowing costs. Once the project is  underway, the Town may issue long-term bonds to repay the BANs and spread the cost of  the improvements over time.  

Should FEMA and/or alternate funding not be available (as unlikely as that may be),  the anticipated cost of the project to the average homeowner in the Smithtown Special  Library District is estimated to not exceed $36 per year for the maximum 15-year term of  the financing.

The referendum will be held on Tuesday, July 1 from 9:30am to 9:00pm at all four  Library buildings. Polling sites are determined by a resident’s home address and the Suffolk  County election districts. 

A Community Open House information session is scheduled for residents on  Tuesday, June 24, from 7:00-9:00pm at the Smithtown Building, located at One North  Country Road. All Smithtown Library District residents are encouraged to attend to learn  more about the proposal and ask any questions they may have prior to the vote.  

“Our libraries are at the heart of the Smithtown community and provide vital  resources and programs for residents of all ages,” Lusak said. “I encourage community  members to learn more about the proposal and how we are reimagining a new chapter for  our building, and to participate in the vote on July 1.” 

All information related to the proposal, as well as detailed voting information, can  be found on the Library’s website, www.smithlib.org. A special mailer will be sent to all  Smithtown Library District residents in June detailing the bond proposition. 

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Emma S. Clark Memorial Library in Setauket. Photo by Elyse Sutton

By Sabrina Artusa

The Emma Clark library in Setauket closed on May 1 to pursue remedial work after staff discovered a mold outbreak on the HVAC system. 

Identified by its damp, musty smell, the cladosporium led to the library’s closure. The mold could affect the respiratory system, leading to itchy eyes, coughing or sneezing; although, the risks are higher for those with pre-existing conditions like asthma. It is known as a household mold as it is prevalent in bathrooms and basements–anywhere damp with little ventilation.

Now, after transferring services and programs to other locations, the building is again open to the public in its entirety. 

The library hired Lux Restoration Services LLC to address the issue. They replaced materials infected by the mold, including flex ducts, vents, insulation and ceiling tiles. Some furniture needed to be cleaned. 

During the hiatus, the library had to creatively adapt some programs and services. “The staff did an amazing job in pivoting so that we were still able to offer services and programs during this time,” said Library Director Ted Gutmann, “including running circulation services out of our historic room in the Library and children’s programs being held in the library’s main community room.” 

Since the mold primarily impacted the children’s room, the library was able to open with limited services on May 19.

There was no permanent damage to the building. Currently, library staff are “working with the insurance company to determine the potential cause of the issue,” according to Gutmann. They have instituted testing procedures to prevent future growths, including duct cleaning and inspections. 

“We’re thrilled to have everything back to normal in our beloved building,” Gutmann said.

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Isabella donates blood. Photo by William Stieglitz
Donor Jason Hsueh at the Middle Country Library blood drive. Photo by William Stieglitz
A donor gives blood at the Middle Country Public Library on May 27. Photo by William Stieglitz
A donor gives blood at the Middle Country Public Library on May 27. Photo by William Stieglitz
Donors John Ryan, Austin Pelissier, & Bruce King, aftering giving blood. Photo by William Stieglitz

By William Stieglitz

The Middle Country Public Library’s Centereach branch hosted a blood drive on May 27 with New York Blood Center, drawing in many local donors. 

“We use a lot of blood, supplying all the hospitals in [the] New York area,” said NYBC team leader Vincent Verdi. “So we need to collect as much blood as possible.”

Donors start by filling out paperwork and getting an initial drop of blood taken behind a blue curtain. After the drop is tested and found to have the right amount of iron, donors go to a chair where blood is taken from their arm via a machine. “The whole thing from when you walk in [takes] probably, maybe a half an hour,” said blood donor Bruce King, not counting the 15 minutes after for observation and cookies.

King donates every few months. Another donor, John Ryan, said he tries to donate as often as he can. “[My] family had a traumatic hospital experience once, so it’s my way of giving back.” Austin Pelissier said it was his sixth or seventh time donating, and does so because “I don’t have an excuse not to… I like being able to save a life.”

Pelissier said he always gives the double red blood donation, which he explained was different from the full blood donation. “The double red – they take your blood, they filter out the red blood cells, take the red blood cells, and give you the rest of your blood back along with a little bit of saline solution. That way, you don’t feel as woozy, but they can take more of the red blood cells, which they do.”

NYBC volunteer Marie Rotolo said its important donors prep right by drinking plenty of water and making sure they ate enough protein beforehand. She and other volunteers observe people after their donation to make sure they’re okay. “If we see that someone is getting sick, we just help them to put their head down so they don’t fall… I call for assistance, someone will come over. They’ll ask them if they could get up to go in the chair, and they bring them back on the bed, raise their feet, do what they need to do.”

Rotolo became a volunteer after retiring from Stony Brook Hospital, and has done it three times a week since 2016 to give back. Another volunteer, Lynn Paul, began while she was still working as a retired nurse, and said she likes to give as much time as she can. She has volunteered at blood drives for fire departments, schools and other libraries. “I feel like I’m helping the community doing this. And, it’s fun. We have a ball. Nice people that we meet. The staff is friendly.”

Paul said the turnout can vary, with some having around 50 sign-ups and at least one she was at having over a hundred. But she also stressed that even small turnouts can make a big difference. “Some drives will only get 20, but 20 is 20 units. One unit can save three people. So it’s the gift of life, and we really appreciate it. And we thank them. We make sure that they’re well appreciated, and they know it. And they keep coming back.”

According to Verdi, the day’s blood drive kept a steady pace. “Some blood drives, we get 30 pints, which gets separated into three different components and which would be 90 products.” He explained how after spinning down the blood into red blood cells, plasma and platelets, they then send the products to the hospitals based on their specific needs.

The blood drive was one of many held at Middle Country Public Library, which supplies NYBC with their programming room and also helps with contacting donors. The library normally holds several blood drives each year.

For more information on blood donations or to schedule an appointment, you can go to https://donate.nybc.org or call 1-800-933-2566.

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Stony Brook, NY; Stony Brook University: Science on Stage member Heather Lynch

The League of Women Voters of Brookhaven will welcome renowned Stony Brook University scientist Heather Lynch to speak at their monthly meeting at Comsewogue Public Library, 170 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station on Friday, May 16 at 1 p.m.

Many of the medicines and products that we rely on have been created by scientists working on research grants from the federal or state government.

Lynch, a quantitative ecologist and a professor at Stony Brook University, will speak on “The role of grants to universities: How are they selected and monitored?” and “How will current changes to grant funding impact our scientific competitiveness?”

Dr. Lynch is the Institute for Advanced Computational Sciences Endowed Chair for Ecology and Evolution and leads the Collaborative for the Earth, which facilitates university-wide research, education, and public policy engagement around global environmental crises. Her research is dedicated to the population dynamics of Antarctic wildlife, with a particular focus on penguins and other seabirds.

Dr. Lynch’s research in Antarctica has been funded by a range of federal and non-governmental organizations, including through a National Science Foundation Career award—the most prestigious NSF award that supports early career faculty. Dr. Lynch was the first ecologist ever to win the Blavatnik National Medal for Life Sciences, the world’s largest unrestricted prize for young scientists.

All are welcome to attend this event. No reservations necessary. For more information, call 631-928-1212.

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Emma S. Clark Memorial Library in Setauket. Photo by Elyse Sutton

By Sabrina Artusa

Emma S. Clark Memorial Library in Setauket is temporarily closed after staff noticed a strange odor on May 1. The smell was from a mold growth in a “contained area” of the library, necessitating repairs to the HVAC system. 

The mold, Cladosporium, is described by the National Institutes of Health as one of the “most common fungal inhabitants worldwide.” It appears as black or brown spots in a wide variety of conditions and surfaces such as carpets, HVAC grills, wallpaper or wood surfaces and is particularly drawn to damp, not-well-ventilated places like bathrooms or basements. 

According to library Director Ted Gutmann, the cause has not yet been determined and the remediation process is still underway.

The mold air-sampling concentration varied from light to heavy. Spore concentration levels of 1,500 and below are considered acceptable. Physical symptoms begin to materialize in people with normal immune functions when spore levels reach 10,000 or higher, although those with sensitive health may experience sneezing, an itchy throat or eyes, coughing, a runny nose or dry skin at a level of 3,000 spores. 

Gutmann said reopening “could be a few weeks away.” 

“We are working to make sure the process is completed as quickly and safely as possible,” he said. “As soon as we have more information, reopening updates will be posted on the library’s website and social media channels.”

The library will continue online zoom classes on the usual schedule but will extend holds and due dates of books, museum passes and items. The prolonged possession of library property will not accrue late fees and holds will be extended for one week past the date of reopening. The library will reopen once air quality tests confirm the mold’s eradication. The library card can be used at any Suffolk County library. 

Gutmann and library staff still plan to have the Seed Library outdoors. “Emma Clark is still here for the community during building closure,” Gutmann said, adding that several upcoming events will be held. 

The Catholic Health’s mobile outreach bus will park at the library on May 15 for free health screenings and E-Waste & Metal Recycling Day will be held in the parking lot on May 17. The Ellen Bodolub Chamber Music Concert on May 18 has been moved to the Setauket Neighborhood House. 

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