With state approval of the Syosset Public Library's building plans and the bidding process complete, heavy construction is about to begin. On Sept. 1, the library will close for approximately two weeks in order to create a small-scale library in the northeast portion of the building, now the Children's Room. Fines will not be collected during this period.

This "Syosset Express Library," which will be approximately 3,200 square feet, compared to the approximately 24,000 square feet that the library currently encompasses, will be designed for easy pick-up and drop-off of library materials.

It was originally hoped that the library would remain open and fully-staffed during the entire construction phase. "We were told that certain areas would be open and closed at different times and that heavy work would be done after hours," said Judy Lockman, director of the Syosset Public Library.

The original plans and projections underestimated labor costs and library officials learned that a second floor could not be put on the building while it was staffed and open, due mainly to liability insurance. "We were told that the most economical way to complete this project is to close off most of the building and let them work," said Lockman. "We have to get smaller before we get larger."

If the library was to stay open and fully-staffed during construction, it would cost approximately $2 million in extra labor and liability. During this construction phase, the staff will be reduced to one shift working six days a week, but people will be hired back before construction ends.

According to Lockman, this change will make the construction phase quicker. "Instead of an 18-month project it should be a 13-month project," said Lockman. "We will still build the building and not be sacrificing any architectural details."

The Syosset Library Express will still have multiple copies of all New York Times bestsellers, large type books, multiple copies of Syosset Star Selection Titles (non-reservable books that can only be borrowed by residents) and borrowing time increased to 14 days, new fiction and nonfiction, books in Foreign Languages, travel, cookbooks, crafts and hobbies, children's books and DVDs, teen books and college preparatory materials, DVDs, music, CDs, books on CDs, top level reference staff to assist in research and location of materials and popular magazines for borrowing.

To accommodate residents, Syosset librarians will interloan materials and can secure titles from other libraries within five days. Also, for those doing research, Syosset librarians will print out information at no charge, using a variety of reference books and scholarly databases. For those doing research, please remember Syosset Library databases are all available from any computer with Internet access.

In regard to bus trips and exercise programs; they will continue at the community center and there will be a variety of library-sponsored bus trips. A new mail-in registration policy will be initiated during this process. Residents can mail checks as soon as the library newsletter is received. Registrations will be confirmed by phone and registration can still be done in person.

During the 14 months of construction, there is no space for public access computers. Library officials recommend public computers at other libraries such as Hicksville, Plainview and Jericho.

Please visit www.nassaulibrary.org/syosset to use the online resources, which include more than 40 databases. All that is needed is a Syosset library card barcode number. A Syosset library card can be used throughout Nassau County. Staff at newly renovated Plainview Library as well as Jericho and Hicksville Libraries will assist residents, just as the Syosset library helped those communities while their libraries were under construction. New York State Education Law ensures resource sharing among local libraries.

The new library express hours will be Monday from 3 to 8 p.m., Tuesday - Friday from 1 to 6 p.m. and Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. Book drop and AV drop is daily. The library is extending borrowing times so that it will be easier for residents to borrow and return materials. Fines will be collected for materials held beyond the time extensions.

The estimated completion date is still the end of 2006. During this time, parking will be in a designated and clearly accessible area away from all construction-related equipment and vehicles. The staff will help residents quickly find needed books, magazines and audio-visual materials.

Please call the library at 921-7161 for information on the exact re-opening date.