The Syosset Public Library has been working with architects, planners and engineers over the past year to plan an expansion of the existing library, which is located at 225 South Oyster Bay Road in Syosset. A date has been set for the bond referendum vote, which is an opportunity for the community to approve or veto the expansion plans. The vote will take place at Syosset Library on Tuesday, Dec. 3 from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m.

This vote is the next step in a long expansion process. The library has held many informational meetings affording local residents the opportunity to meet the architect, view the proposed plans, ask questions and voice concerns and opinions. The final informational meetings are scheduled for Friday Nov. 22 at 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. and Tuesday, Nov. 26 at 7:30 p.m. Residents are encouraged to attend these meetings in order to make an informed decision on Dec. 3

The main reason for expansion at the library, according to library director Judy Lockman, is the lack of space. The proposed expansion will add a minimum of 50 percent more bookshelf space for collection growth.

The plans include an auditorium with theater seating, something that library officers say the community has been asking for over the years. The auditorium will allow residents to see films, plays and concerts and attend more programs in a theater environment.

The children's wing, which was completed approximately two years ago, will not be changed under the current plans, but a new, larger children's story-hour room will be included to accommodate additional children's programming. There will be a new teen section that will expand collection space and will be adjacent to a teen group study room. A teen services librarian will help them coordinate a Teen Newsletter/Book Review.

If the bond is approved on Dec. 3, it will take the architect several months to complete all of the architectural drawings. These would then be sent to the building division of the State Educational Department for review and authorization and the construction is estimated to take approximately 18 months.

The library is scheduled to remain open during the construction phase, except for one or two weekends when steel beams will be installed. The architect and structural engineers have coordinated the project so the library can remain operational throughout the construction.

The library bond advisors estimate that the final cost of the bond will be $59 annually, or $4.92 a month for a house presently assessed at $8,000.

In order to vote, residents must be a United States Citizen, 18 years of age or older and must have been a district residents for at least 30 days prior to the vote. Eligible voters include those who have voted in the school district elections within the past four years, those who are registered with the Nassau County Board of Elections and residents who have registered on Nov. 20. If not already registered, please visit any of Syosset's seven elementary schools on Nov. 20 between noon and 4 p.m.

Anyone with questions or requesting further information is encouraged to attend one of the last three informational meetings and all residents are encouraged to vote on Dec. 3.