Library Openings Delayed Until Late Spring

Patrons anxious to visit the Smithtown and Kings Park branches of the Smithtown Special Library District will have to wait a little bit longer.

Electrical delays, including a LIPA power hook up, have pushed back the re-opening dates for the Kings Park and Smithtown branches from mid-April to late spring.

According to Robert Lusak, Director of the Special Smithtown Library District, LIPA has not yet turned on power to the Kings Park building, putting the remaining renovations in a holding pattern.

The construction is part of a Renovations on the and branches were completed last year.

"Until LIPA comes to give us permanent power, it holds up what we need to have in place," said Lusak.

The lack of power has delayed painting the interior walls as well, said Lusack.

"The walls are spackled and ready for paint, but the optimum conditions for painting aren't in place until the heat and air conditioning are turned on," he said.

Lusak said the Smithtown branch had some unforseen problems including some additional asbestos that was found and needed to be removed.

"We removed the concrete of the handicapped ramp and found a 1,000 gallon oil drum that needed to be removed," said Lusak who added the drum was not on the site plans.

"We want to make sure we are by the book. We don't want to rush into things and have problems," said Lusak. "We learned from the other two buildings," he said.

Still, Lusak said he is pleased with the renovations.

"I think people will be very happy with the end result," he said.

Click here to see interior photos of the renovation in progress