During the summer months the Bryant Library Board of Trustees has been active in formulating plans that will lead to the renovation and expansion of the library building. One of the initial steps was to engage a library space planner, Edwin Beckerman, who has served for several decades in this capacity to numerous libraries in the tri-state area. He is currently completing work with the Shelter Rock Library.

Mr. Beckerman explained that his method of assessing the needs of the Bryant Library will include a period of studying the community's demographic data, plus statistics of library use and functions which have a bearing on its building needs. "Then," he said, "I will meet with the staff regarding present and future program and space requirements, and with members of the board and public to elicit their views of library needs."

Mr. Beckerman will prepare a written needs assessment report delineating a program of space utilization for the proposed new building. He anticipates the formation of a small team comprising representatives of the public, the staff and the trustees. This group will work with him and the architects to develop a set of preliminary plans reflecting the building program. The plan will be presented to the general public at a series of open meetings.

Simultaneously with their selection of Mr. Beckerman, the board of trustees assembled a list of architectural firms during two July meetings. Letters have been sent to these firms requesting submission of proposals for the Bryant Library renovation and expansion.

The decision to remain at the present location was made after many months of searching for a site upon which a new, up-to-date facility could be built. A number of alternative locations were thoroughly explored but were determined not to be viable for various reasons. Board Vice President Gladys Lasoff commented, "While many Roslyn residents and trustees are pleased that their library, with its treasury of happy memories, will remain in its traditional setting next to the Duck Pond, we must recognize the challenges this location presents."

Board President Mark Yohalem pointed out that the trustees have been moving to overcome these difficulties. Several trustees, the library director and assistant director participated in a day-long tour of three Nassau County libraries that have recently been expanded and equipped with up-to-date electronic capability and other improvements. However, in each case additional land was available adjacent to the existing building, an advantage which the Bryant Library does not have.

Other disadvantages which must be addressed when reconfiguring the Bryant site include the fact that its approximately one and one-half acres are on a comparatively steep grade. Therefore, it may require an unusually innovative building design as well as a creative approach to parking inadequacy. Preliminary discussion about these issues has already taken place with Roslyn Village officials, and further meetings will be scheduled to examine the requirements of the Roslyn Village Code and the Historic District Board.

President Yohalem said, "We will continue to report to the public as we go forward with our plans for the library. We wish to express thanks to the officials of Roslyn Village for their time and consideration."

On behalf of the board of trustees, Mr. Yohalem expressed his thanks again to the local residents who are committed to library improvements and have volunteered to help in our efforts. They include Building Committee members: Chair, Mark Yohalem, Joan Friedman, Milton Grunwald, Harold Hecht, Eli Hochman, Joan Hollander, Elliott Kohn, J. Walter Reed, Peter Rogatz, Hanan Swiskay, and Sheldon Tarakan; and Community Relations Committee members: Chair, Evelyn Philips, Mina Bobek, Stephen Consor, Sari Flesch, Martha Harris, Beverly Hochman, Kate Korobow, Fay Leavy, Seymour J. Reisman, Jo Smith, Robyn Supraner and Shafiuz Syed.

If you would be interested in participating in a focus group with space planner Ed Beckerman, please contact Library Director Elizabeth McCloat at (516) 621-2240, ext. 210.