No. 68: South Huntington Public Library

The light-filled building with its sheltered garden and wall of windows overlooking it are themselves part of the public art spaces that abound at the South Huntington Public Library.

The library opened in its current home in 2004. It sits along Pidgeon Hill Road in a former junior high complex that also contains the Long Island School for the Gifted, a pre-K to grade 9 school, and ballfields used by the South Huntington school district.

Outdoor art installations are scattered around the front lawn and in the enclosed garden at the rear of the library. Each summer the library hosts an outdoor sculpture show through Labor Day, says Catherine Schmoller, adult program coordinator, and some of the pieces remain until they are sold or the artist needs them for another installation. The library also purchases some, as it did this summer with the David Haussler's set piece made of carbon steel titled "The Chase." The whimsical piece shows two dogs chasing a fox that is chasing a series of rabbits, one of which is disappearing into the ground.  

Inside the library, the exterior wall of windows lets in light on all levels. The atrium in the lobby where patrons check out books uses the structural steel and windows to good effect as well, and more light pours into the reading nooks outlined in glass.

With its collection of 275,000 items, there's a full range of services, from study help to special arts and children's programming. Patrons can check out books, movies, ebooks and tap into online resources as well, and even reserve free museum passes or print remotely.

A small café offers downstairs where the children’s section, young adults and art gallery are located gives patrons a place to snack and chat. It opens onto a sheltered and landscaped outdoor garden that in summer hosts outdoor concerts.

Patricia and Mary Reciniello were relaxing and reading in the café on a recent visit. “We come a couple of times a week,” Patricia said. Their haul over the weekend included a book on sharks for Mary, who wants to be a marine biologist, as well as games for her Nintendo.

While it has only been in the new building since 2004, the library is celebrating its 50^th anniversary and has planned several special programs for the weekend on Sept. 24-25. A ceremony at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, includes the architect who designed the library, Todd Harvey, a South Huntington resident; former director Ken Weil; and a Boy Scout troop color guard that also will lead vespers and play taps. There is a concert at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 24, followed by a dessert reception. Check here for more information. Check here for a list of anniversary events.

The library is at 145 Pidgeon Hill Road, Huntington Station. It is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday during the school year.

Stay tuned for No. 67 next week, same time same place, as Huntington Patch explores the places and activities in town.