The end is in sight. The Kings Park Branch of the Smithtown Library is now temporarily closed for renovations. The groundbreaking ceremony on May, 13th marked the beginning of its remodeling.
Flanked by elected officials, Supervisor Patrick Vecchio, Suffolk County Legislator Lynne C. Nowick, and library board members, Joseph A. Vallone, Library Board President, announced the start of the Kings Park Branch remediation project and the re-opening of the Commack Branch. Vallone acknowledged the different people who played a role in bringing an improved library into fruition including former board members whom he thanked for their work and commitment to the Smithtown Library.
Library Director, Robert Lusak began the program by calling on Father Sean, pastor of St. Joseph’s Church, for an opening prayer. Lusak went on to talk about community and the bridging of the past to the future. He spoke about the library’s development into a community resource providing programs and technology as well as books.
The program included presentations by Legislator Nowick,Town Supervisor Vecchio, Director of the Suffolk Cooperative Library system, Kevin Verbesey, as well as Community groups. Kings Park Civic Association was represented by Michael Rosato and Kings Park Chamber of Commerce was represented by its president Charles Gardner.
Mr. Gardner, was the most compelling. He touched on the importance of libraries and reminisced about the first library in Kings Park. He spoke of the library as the “Crown Jewel” of Kings Park and also called on business owners to do their part to ensure that their buildings become a source of pride in the community.