Large Community Turnout for Grand Opening of New Moriches Library Annex

A new community resource and focal point was celebrated Saturday at the grand opening of the new Moriches satellite library branch, a modern 7,000-square-foot facility covering the northern portion of the Mastic-Moriches-Shirley Community Library’s service area.

The bright new annex was buzzing with activity following a ribbon cutting ceremony as local patrons, including many excited children and their families, familiarized themselves with the library’s numerous resources. As with the library’s new Mastic Beach annex, the Montauk Highway branch is expected to see a rise in the issuance of new library cards as residents will have easier access to a facility that is designed to bring the community together.

Available to patrons is a collection of popular reading material including bestsellers, children's books, and DVDs, as well as the popular museum passes that give card holders free access to exhibits throughout the New York Metropolitan Area. Special features of the new branch include multiple computers, three program rooms and space for quiet work, noted Library Director Kerri Rosalia. There are children and teen areas for homework or study and a room that’s adjustable in size with moveable walls. All furniture and shelving have wheels so they can be moved to rearrange space as needed. Design elements emphasize both cost savings and energy efficiency, according to Rosalia. Just as in the Neighborhood Road annex in Mastic Beach, the Moriches site promotes sustainability by adhering to LEED standards set forth by the U.S. Green Building Council.

“Our library system is achieving a level of geographic accessibility that is unprecedented in the district’s history,” Rosalia said. “We are confident that the new Moriches library will be warmly embraced by area residents.” The site offers ample parking and incorporates an expansive outdoor area suitable for both small and large outdoor programming.

Presented at the ceremony was a replica of a $451,002 check representing a state grant for library construction made possible through state Assemblyman Joe DeStefano and Senator Dean Murray. "The grand opening of this new annex is the culmination of the hard work and dedication of the many residents and local officials who believe in the importance of having a strong community library," DeStefano said. "I'm proud of the library trustees, staff and everyone else involved in seeing this project through to such a beautiful result." Senator Murray added: "The library has had a tremendous year so far in opening two new branches. They are the hub, the heart of our community."

“Our library team places tremendous value on service, and our new geographic reach automatically translates into improved service,” said Library Board President Joseph Maiorana. “The instant success of the Mastic Beach branch serves as a promising sign that the Moriches library will prove popular as well.”

"Residents of all ages are able to enrich their lives when they have access to a first-rate library system," said Suffolk Legislator James Mazzarella, a former member of the library's board of trustees who attended the ceremony. "The completion of this second new branch represents a landmark moment in the history of the district," he said, pointing out that the library shares space with the Moriches Elementary School. “It’s a fantastic property and the shared services between the two makes it extra special.”

Also helping to cut the ribbon was Town Councilman Dan Panico, who said he grew up going to the library. “Not everything is on the Internet,” Panico said. “Kids will go the the library. It brings the community together. It’s such a valuable asset,” said Town Clerk Kevin LaValle to the gathered crowd: “This is what brings a community together. It’s amazing what they did here.”

Echoing the sentiments of those at the grand opening was Brookhaven Supervisor Ed Romaine: “Library services play a major role in the life of a community. We congratulate the library upon its completion of two new satellite branches.”

Robert Chartuk

A library expansion and modernization program was set in motion by a $22.7 million referendum approved by voters in 2019. At the time, the district’s sole library, on William Floyd Parkway in Shirley, was 28-percent smaller than the recommended size for a community with the district’s population. Underscoring the absence of adequate space, attendance at popular programs was curtailed due to lack of capacity, library officials noted. The library had been forced to conduct hundreds of classes and meetings at off-site locations every year, which has proven to be costly, staff-intensive, and logistically cumbersome. With the renovation of the main facility underway, services have been temporarily relocated to the town’s Mastic Recreation Center on Herkimer Street. Items requested from the main library, the Mastic Beach branch, and through inter-library loan are available for pickup.

Designed by H2M architects + engineers of Melville, the Moriches branch was built in the same architectural style as the existing 95-year-old Little Red Schoolhouse, a neighborhood landmark adjacent to the new satellite that is next on the library’s agenda for renovation. A far cry from the two portable classrooms that were used when the library came into existence in 1975, it has been one of Suffolk County’s most utilized libraries. The library has been a leader in providing innovative services that include automation; children’s and family programming; services for teens and seniors; cultural activities; literacy services; community outreach initiatives; digital services and technology support; career and college readiness assistance; lifelong learning opportunities; and partnerships with local businesses and community organizations, Director Rosalia pointed out. The recipient of numerous grants in support of its unique programs and services, the library has been recognized in such major media as the South Shore Press, Newsday, the New York Times, WNBC’s Channel 4, and News 12. For more information, visit www.communitylibrary.org.