Wantagh Library 'Excited' To Reopen After Renovations

WANTAGH, NY — After more than a month of renovations, the Wantagh Library is reopening to the public.

Patrons will be back starting on Saturday.

"We're very excited to have everyone back," Library director Shannon Marchese told Patch.

The main overhaul was having the HVAC system upgraded.

"The unit that had been in the building was part of the original unit from when the library was first built in 1970," Marchese said. "It was definitely time to have that updated."

They used the shutdown to redo ceiling tiles as well.

"The library is brighter," Marchese said.

People will see a new look when they return to the library.

"It wasn't necessary a cosmetic project, so it's very exciting that there's a visual aspect to this," she said.

While Saturday is a "soft launch" for returning materials, the full schedule of in-person programs will resume on Monday.

The library did keep a program for families going via Zoom during the renovations.

The construction was pushed off from earlier in the year, but Marchese points out that they were on a tight deadline with the calendar.

"Given the nature of this work, it could not be done while it's freezing temperatures outside," she said.

The library waived all late fees for books and other items taken out before the temporary closure, "and we're going to have that, most likely through the end of this month," Marchese said.