The Bryant Library renovation project recently took a major step forward when the library hired the firm of Beatty, Harvey, and Associates to draft an architectural design of what a revamped facility may look like.

The firm is headquartered in both Riverhead and in New York City. According to Library Director Elizabeth McCloat, Beatty, Harvey, and Associates was one of the four architectural firms who presented their plans to the library staff during a meeting held on Veterans Day, Nov. 11.

Ms. McCloat said the firm has had extensive experience in both library renovation projects and work on new library buildings all throughout Long Island, including such towns as Long Beach, Northport, East Northport, and Cold Spring Harbor. Todd Harvey will be the lead architect for the Bryant Library project.

When choosing Beatty, Harvey, and Associates, the library's board of trustees made their decision based on creative solutions to the space realities of the East Broadway site. Crucial to that evaulation was the way in which the projected new construction would blend in with the existing building and the surrounding neighborhood.

Other factors were the cost, practicality, and the provision for the maximum number of additional parking spaces. In time, the library will hold meetings to allow the firm to present its plans to both the library board and the Roslyn public. The first such meeting is set for sometime in December, where the renovation draft on the library's space needs will be discussed.

In addition to hiring an architectural firm, library personnel, in recent months, has also held meetings with local residents to hear their views on the library's current services. They were also led in an exploration of needs that may now be unmet, primarily because of space considerations. Ed Beckerman, the library's planning consultant, led the discussion.

"The focus group was very worthwhile in eliciting some of the opinions of library users about the shortcomings as well as the advantages of the existing library," said Roslyn resident Harold Stieglitz. "Some people were very explicit about the needs and priorities for the new facility."

For the past year, Bryant Library officials have claimed that their institution stands at a crossroads. Although the public remains satisfied with current services, the library has several problems, most of them having to do with space.

Another major concern was the future location of the library. Should library officials seek out a new location in the Roslyn area, or should they make renovations at the current site? Several places, including land at the Lumber Road section of Roslyn, the Frick Estate at the Nassau County Museum of Art and the proposed Park at East Hills were mentioned as possible alternations, but none were deemed viable for relocation.

In the end, the Site Committee decided to stay at the current location on East Broadway. Commenting on the situation, Bryant Library Board Vice President Gladys Lasoff said: "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."

Concerning issues of space, a strategic study completed last winter defined the library's needs as including: enough shelf space for books and audiovisual materials; quiet research and study areas; comfortable seating areas for reading, researching, and studying; a separate young adult area for group and individual study; a dedicated business center; and small areas for civic meetings, discussions, and workshops.

In addition, building and technology needs were listed as: adequate wiring for current and future electronic equipment; an energy-efficient heating and air conditioning system; restrooms in the Children's department; Computer rooms in both adult and Children's services; and a Storytime room in the Children's room that is separate from a play area.