Nesconset Branch of The Smithtown Library Is Open For Business The Park Is Open For Fun

Purchased from New York State in 1994 for the grand sum of $1 the Nesconset Armory stood vacant for almost seventeen years.  From 1994 until 2008 the building sat rotting from neglect.   For years, Town Government couldn’t decide whether to turn the building over to the library, use it for a recreation center or for a YMCA.  Eventually the building was turned over to the Smithtown Library and on June 30, 2011 the Nesconset Branch of the Smithtown Library opened its doors to the public. On Wednesday, August 3 at 10am a ribbon cutting ceremony will be held and the most controversial branch of the Smithtown library will take its permanent place along side Commack, Kings Park and the Main Branch in Smithtown.

In 2008 voters throughout the town approved a $21 million bond for the expansion and improvement of all the Library’s buildings. The Nesconset Branch, located in rented space in a strip mall since the 70’s, had outgrown its surroundings. The armory, across the street from the strip mall, proved to be a viable facility for a library and community center in Nesconset.

After considerable reconstruction of the building the former armory was transformed.  The blighted building covered in graffiti has become a welcoming, clean and airy library.

The inside of the library is well lit and provides easy access to books, and all types of media.  There are reading areas for children and community areas for children’s programs.  There are designated areas for teens and new computers.  But it is the combination of the Library and the town park outside the library that makes this branch unparalleled in the Smithtown Library system.

Behind the Nesconset Library to the right of the building is a children’s park that is separated by fencing from a children’s water park.  On the opposite side of the parking lot there is a deck hockey rink and a small skateboard area.  There is also a track for jogging and walking, tennis courts and soccer fields.

The Administrative and Business Offices have been permanently moved to the Nesconset location.  The address of the Nesconset branch is 148 Smithtown Boulevard, Nesconset, NY  11767 the phone number is 631-265-3994. The hours of operation for the Nesconset Branch are Monday – Thursday 10am – 9pm, Friday 10 is – 6pm and Saturday 9am -5pm.

The Nesconset Branch of the Smithtown Library will be holding its ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday, August 3 at 10:00am.  The Board of Trustees is hoping the public will join them at the ceremony. 

The next Trustees meeting will be held in the community room at the Nesconset Branch on August 16 at 7pm.  The meeting is open to the public. 

Smithtown Main Library and Kings Park Branches are currently closed and will remain closed until the spring of 2012.