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Outdoor Terrace Adds More Public Space to Emma Clark

Setauket, NY – August 17, 2022 –

Librarygoers have long adored Emma Clark Library’s picturesque historic building, and now visitors may enjoy it while seated outdoors on its newly constructed terrace.

Patrons will be able to bring books, magazines, and newspapers outside onto the terrace for their plein air reading pleasure. Conveniently, the terrace includes built-in power outlets to allow for laptop usage or mobile device charging, along with connectivity to the Library’s WiFi network. It is full accessible for all – ADA compliant and wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs. This new, outdoor area adds approximately 800 square feet to the building, all for public use.

The only entrance/exit to the terrace is through the Library; therefore, it is a safe, enclosed space, ensuring that individuals do not leave with items before they are checked out. The terrace will also close 15 minutes before the Library closing each night. This allows ample time for patrons to borrow items through the Circulation Desk and for staff to clean up at the end of the day.

The terrace structure takes advantage of the existing retaining wall (the area was formerly the main entrance to the Library prior to 2000), and careful budgeting has allowed for the $293,000 construction costs without asking the public taxpayer for additional funding. The costs will be paid from the Library’s Capital Fund, along with money from New York State Aid for Library Construction (no additional tax levy).

“The new patio is a great repurposing of the former front entrance to the library providing a beautiful open space for all patrons,” said Library Board President Christopher Fletcher. “Special thanks to our Director, Ted Gutmann and board member Orlando Maione for their dedication in seeing this project to its completion.”

Construction of the terrace began earlier this year through Urban Village Contracting, Inc. This company was the low-bid contractor and 3V-resident-owned local company with over 30 years of experience. The architect on the project is John Cunniffe, a local Stony Brook resident who has experience in preserving historical accuracy. He has done numerous projects for Three Village organizations, such as the Three Village Historical Society, the Setauket Neighborhood House, Frank Melville Memorial Park, The Long Island Museum, and the Three Village Community Trust.

Visitors may view the facade of this historic building and the Setauket green, enjoy a book and some fresh air, or meet with friends. The outdoor terrace opens up Three Village’s library space in a new and energizing way.

The Library’s construction project, which was announced in November of 2021, will update the building space to maximize flow and usage for the public. For more information, along with architectural renderings, visit reimagine.emmaclark.org.

 

The Emma S. Clark Memorial Library, located at 120 Main Street in Setauket and on the web at www.emmaclark.org, provides public library service to all residents of the Three Village Central School District.

“The Heart of the Three Village Community”

 

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