Library Address Space Problems

By Joe Scotchie

Does Roslyn need a new library? Both Bryant Library officials and local residents have posed that question. The issue was joined when Library Director Elizabeth McCloat addressed the future of the library in a column that appeared in that establishment's bimonthly newsletter.

The most pressing problem facing the library, Ms. McCloat stated, is that it "simply...has no room for growth...Our records show that for almost every item added to our collection, one must be removed."

In the meantime, the library's board of trustees has developed a strategic plan, one that both pinpoints current deficiencies with the library and explores certain solutions. In her column, Ms. McCloat identified numerous space and building and technology needs that the library faces. They include: shelf space; quiet research and study areas; comfortable seating areas for reading, research and studying; a young adult area for group and individual study; a dedicated business center; small areas for civic meetings, discussions, and workshops; adequate wiring for current and future electronic equipment; an energy-efficient heating and air conditioning system; computer rooms in both Adult and Children's services; and a story time room in Children's Services that is separate from a play area.

Long term solutions to the space problem would include an alternative site for the library or making renovations to the current building. The board wants residents to be involved in the decision making process. More specifically, they want to know if there are any suitable sites on which a new library could be built, if there are any innovative ways to restructure the current building into a "future-oriented facility," and if there is anything that can be done to improve the parking situation.

Also in her column, Ms. McCloat noted that libraries in many of Roslyn's neighboring districts are engaged in improving or expanding their library facilities. The time, the library director believes, has come for the Bryant Library to do the same thing.

Resident Support

Several residents have already responded to Ms. McCloat's column. The Aug.6 number of The Roslyn News published a letter by an East Hills couple, Harold and Elyse Hecht, that was supportive of Ms. McCloat's ideas. More letters are included in this week's number (see page 22).

Mr. Hecht said renovations on the current library would be too expensive, mainly because building costs during such renovations often change while the construction is ongoing. Furthermore, the library's location makes a thorough renovation project problematic. Work could be done on the building, Mr. Hecht said, but parking couldn't be expanded. The problem here is that the library is located in such a "tight space," in addition, it is surrounded by historic homes which, obviously, cannot be tampered with.

Echoing Ms. McCloat's sentiments, Mr. Hecht claimed the Bryant Library stands at a crossroads. Modifying the library would involve so many changes that "it's absurd." On the other hand, builders would have control over costs while constructing a new structure, Mr. Hecht added. Right now, Roslyn does not have the kind of library that the village needs, he said. "We need a library young people can use," Mr. Hecht maintained.

For her part, Mrs. Hecht noted that the Roslyn Library District, as with its school district, includes not just little Roslyn, but also East Hills, Roslyn Heights, Roslyn Harbor and parts of Roslyn Estates. Library use, she said, has exploded in recent years, a factor due to the changing nature of libraries themselves.

The couple also believes that the Village of East Hills should explore the possibility of setting aside a few acres of its new park site for library usage. The village, after years of negotiations, recently purchased the Air National Guard Site in East Hills, a plot of land located near Roslyn High School. The village plans to use the 50-acre site as the grounds for a family-oriented East Hills Park.

In the near future, Mr. Hecht hopes to arrange for a public meeting on the subject, one for the benefit of both East Hills residents and its politicians.