Wantagh Public Library Facility Enhanced

At the end of last year, Wantagh Public Library officials decided it was time to revamp and remodel to better serve the community.

Closed for six weeks, the library was renovated to accommodate ADA regulations and obtain more energy efficient lighting. According to Wantagh Public Library Director Maggie Marino, the renovations were vital to continue on as such a big part of Wantagh.

"It was necessary," Marino said. "It's now cleaner and much less cluttered and we are saving a ton of money with our new lighting."

Prior to remodeling, the railings surrounding book stacks in the library did not stand at the proper height or allow enough space for safety but they have now been relocated and repositioned. Other changes to make the building ADA-compliant included the installation of automatic doors at the front entrance and a complete renovation of the library's public bathrooms.

"It's much safer now and we have received some very positive feedback from the community," Marino said.

The library also conducted asbestos abatement of the entire building prior to reopening Dec. 5.

"When it comes time to replace the flooring, we don't have to go to the extent of testing for asbestos," Marino explained. "We can just change the tiles or rugs in the room we're working on."

In honor of the new changes, the Wantagh Public Library held a grand reopening ceremony on Dec. 12.