The Plainview-Old Bethpage Public Library held a groundbreaking ceremony on Sunday, March 31 to commemorate the upcoming expansion at the library. Actual construction is expected to begin in May.

In December 2001, residents approved the proposed expansion at the Plainview-Old Bethpage Library. Albany granted approval for the construction a year later and this past weekend, residents, politicians, school officials, library staff and board celebrated the ceremonial groundbreaking ceremony.

The library expansion consists of two additions - the family center will be expanded and a lecture/program facility will be added to the east side of the building.

The expansion will double the size of the existing family center, which will be expanded to 25 feet to the west with a mezzanine. Also, more computers will be available for residents to access databases that are not available from homes and are needed for school assignments. Bookshelves are needed for special collections that are currently stored in the basement and not readily available to the public and those bookshelves will be added. Additional shelf space is also needed for family sharing books on timely topics such as divorce, drugs and death. The new mezzanine will give the library more room for books. Computers will also be added giving the children six computers and another computer room for research.

The new lecture program facility will have 240 permanent seats, a stage, two conference rooms for meetings and a gallery for exhibits. This new addition will allow the library to present more programs for adults and children as requested by the community. The new expansion provides additional meeting room space for local groups.

Library director Rhoda Orenstein led the more than 200 people in attendance in a champagne toast to celebrate this occasion. "The sun didn't come out but you did," Orenstein said referring to the rainy weather on Sunday afternoon. "Let's all toast to a beautiful new library."

Assemblyman David Sidikman announced a grant of $50,000 for this library extension. "The check is in the mail," said Sidikman. "This is the community hub and a great library."

Nassau County Presiding Officer Judy Jacobs wished best wishes on behalf of herself and Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi. "I love this library and I love this community," said Jacobs. "At the recent community forum, people were wondering where the downtown was. Well, it is right here at this library."

Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor John Venditto said, "This library speaks volumes about this wonderful community. Keep up the good work."

Town of Oyster Bay Councilwoman Bonnie Eisler, Councilman Joe Muscarella and Receiver of Taxes James Stefanich all wished luck to everyone involved.

"This groundbreaking ceremony was very positive and I was extremely satisfied with the turnout," said Orenstein. "The community came out even in that terrible weather. They supported us by voting and they supported us on Sunday."