Interior Renovation Project

Manhasset Public Library Interior Renovation Construction Update

Manhasset, Dec. 18, 2020 –The first phase of the Manhasset Public Library’s interior renovation project is underway, with a focus on the Teen Zone and on the 2nd floor reference and non-fiction collection. Demolition is completed and the first phase of the renovation is 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, Manhasset Public Library Director. “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.”

The Library is providing curbside delivery and book by mail for patrons requesting print material and media. At the same time, it has doubled circulation of eBooks, expanded streaming platforms, and provided live librarian assistance along with virtual programs.

In the Teen Zone on the 3rd floor, the demolition is completed, along with the installation of additional electrical outlets in preparation for the variety of new seating configurations that will be installed. The redesigned Teen Zone will include a Tech Counter with seven computer stations and will include newly-added safety screens separating users. It will also have built-in window seating, booth seating, table seating and a conference table for a group of up to eight people. Mindful of user’s technology needs, the furniture will be equipped with conveniently located power and data ports.

The new furniture for the Teen Zone will have an upbeat color scheme of gray with yellow/gold highlights. Thoughtfully-selected for today’s current environment, the antimicrobial vinyl fabrics are not only colorful but also easy to maintain with surfaces designed to help fight off virus-causing pathogens which could develop on fabric surfaces.

On the second floor, the renovation of the Information Commons, a level dedicated to reference, local history, and the non-fiction collection is underway. Demolition is complete and work is in 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. In addition, the four individual glass-enclosed study rooms are fully-wired with electric and data points as well as PC-compatible wall-mounted monitors. 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 Active 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 book shelves. 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, has sought to integrate an inviting palette of color – grays, taupe, and saffron – in the finishes for the newly invigorated second floor spaces. Martin described their goals stating, “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.”