Bill Serynek, director of the Massapequa Public Library reports the Bar Harbour building project is now in full swing. "Significant progress is being made on our renovated auditorium and children's story hour area."

The auditorium will feature seating for 140 (approximately 50 percent increase) and new comfortable seats in an attractive setting. The director is hoping to restart full programming in the room this fall.

The "story hour" area will offer more privacy and less disturbances than current story programs at the library. Children will also have access to their own outside shaded patio area for warm weather activities.

Mr. Serynek indicated other major improvements at Bar Harbour will include full handicapped accessibility, an elevator to all levels and off street handicapped parking adjacent to the building. He stated he was most pleased with the progress now being made on the extensive south side addition. "The steel is going up." He soon expects to see the new wing enclosed, the roof added and brick work begun. After this phase is completed the various trades can start work on the interior work.

When completed the "new" facility will feature a computer room, quiet room, separate AV material area, a comfortable lounge area, new reference room, drive through book drop site and much more.

Mr. Serynek acknowledged the project has had some delay but was pleased a revised construction schedule projects Bar Harbour to be completed by spring '99, "just a month or so short of the original target date."

In the meantime, the library board and staff have been busy selecting furniture materials, colors, desks, etc. to enhance the new facility and the improved library opportunities it will offer Massapequa.