The search for a site to build a new West Hempstead public library is continuing. However, the library is running out of options as some of the avenues explored by the board turned out to be dead ends.

According to an article written for the West Hempstead Civic Association newsletter by West Hempstead Library Board Vice President Andrea Dee Giordano, the board is focusing its attention on a municipal parking lot, located on Hempstead Avenue behind a strip of stores and The Savers Thrift Store property.

According to Giordano, the board did a title search on the wooded area next to Hall's Pond. The lot, along with others, was conveyed from the City of New York to Nassau County on May 7, 1981. All parcels covered by the deed were to be used for park and parkway purposes only. There is also a reverter clause in the deed, which is activated upon breach of the restriction so that the property would go back to the City of New York if it is used for anything other than a park or parkway.

According to Giordano, the board also sought the vacant parcel of land adjacent to the St. Thomas Chapel on Hempstead Avenue. However, the board learned the property is only available for lease so that the parish could take back the land in the future if it so desires.

The board is now looking into a municipal parking lot on Hemsptead Avenue, next to Venus Restaurant, three blocks from the present library. According to Giordano, the board received a letter from the Town of Hempstead, stating that the area is needed for parking for residents, business owners and visitors of West Hempstead. The board is focusing on the area behind the stores. Giordano said she has watched the lot for some time and at no given time does anyone park there.

The board is also considering Savers Thrift Store since the building is big enough with enough parking.

The board had previously decided on a plan to build a new library on the Western Beef property, located at the intersection of Hempstead Avenue and Woodfield Road. However, residents voted down the bond referendum, which called for a 26,500 square foot facility as opposed to the present 8,000 square foot facility, last June. Instead, a storage facility is now being constructed on the site.

The library board, however, is still trying to find a new site since the board believes West Hempstead is in need of a new facility. According to Giordano, the present library's book collection is filled to capacity with no room for expansion; the library cannot meet the needs and demands of the community when it comes to computers and technology; there is no quiet reading area and no handicap access for larger programs held in the basement; there also isn't adequate space to comfortably accommodate programs.