May 19: The Library’s building is now partially reopen (Adult section and Lower Level).

While work continues in the Main Lobby and Children’s Library, those two areas will remain closed to the public and will reopen at a later date.

Visitors will now enter the library through a short-term, temporary entrance via the outdoor terrace.

The Circulation Department – where you may pick up your holds; check out books, Library of Things, and other items; purchase Discount Tickets; etc. – will be temporarily moved to the historic section of the Library (Periodicals Room). All of these services, along with Adult and Teen/Tween programming, will resume as normal. While the Children’s Library remains closed, please check for updates on Children’s programming.

The Library has several different HVAC systems, each of which serves different areas of the Library.  The mold problem is contained only to areas served by one of the large rooftop units – those areas include the Lobby and the Children’s area, which is why those two sections remain closed to the public.

As of now, the timeline for full opening looks like this:
Remediation will continue in the affected areas the week of May 19.  After that, the areas will be re-tested, and subsequent to favorable results, construction & follow up HVAC work will begin the following week (week after Memorial Day–NOTE: the Library is closed Monday, May 26 for Memorial Day).  We are hoping the affected areas can reopen sometime in the first week of June or soon thereafter.

We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.

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As you may know, the Library effected a closing on May 1 for emergency HVAC inspection/maintenance after a musty odor was reported by staff. Library personnel acted swiftly in conducting testing which revealed the presence of a common household mold (Cladosporium) in a contained area of the Library.  We are now aggressively remediating the condition and replacing ductwork and HVAC components as necessary.

Please check back at this site for updates.

Please note:

• Online zoom classes will resume as scheduled.
• Although most Library items (such as books) do not accrue late fees, if you possess items that are due (Library of Things, physical Museum Passes), those will not accrue any fines.
• All holds will be extended one full week from the reopening date.
• If you need assistance with our online services, please call us at 631-941-4080 x. 127 or email askus@emmaclark.org

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