The new Elmont Library is getting set for its Sept. 10 grand opening as construction workers continue to work in the interior and exterior of the building as the library's construction manager Frank Marino makes sure the building is coming along.

Marino was nice enough to give the Three Village Times a tour of the 57,000 square foot building before its opening. One thing is for sure, there is plenty of room in the spacious and well-lit library.

The entrance of the library portion of the building can be accessed from Hempstead Turnpike. From there, patrons should have no trouble parking. The library's parking lot can accommodate 208 cars.

The outside of the building is precast as opposed to brick, giving it a classy look, reminiscent of a modern building but fitting well on Hempstead Turnpike.

After entering the library, patrons will be facing the circulation desk with the children's section on the left and the young adult section on the right. No detail has been spared. For example, in the children's section, the walls are painted a powder blue with the ceiling tiles imprinted with such things as kites and balloons. Children can also enjoy rooms such as story hour room and the craft room.

Since the Elmont Library Board didn't want to increase staff, most of the first floor of the library is within view. This gives the library a wide open and spacious look, not to mention the brightness within the building.

It's amazing that the library is almost finished considering that construction bids were only awarded in July. The library, which was designed by Angelo Francis Corva & Associates, sports multiple meeting rooms including its largest capable of holding 150 people.

Of course, part of the project involved preserving part of the Alva T. Stanforth foundation for a theater. The new Elmont Library boasts a 450-seat theater. The library board decided it would lease some weekends to the Broadhollow Theatre for productions. The new library, therefore, may not only be a library but also a cultural center.

According to Marino, the library project is coming in within budget. The community will soon have something it can enjoy for many years to come.