Residents showed their support on Sunday as they celebrated the grand opening of the renovated Syosset Public Library. The standing-room-only crowd listened as Judy Lockman, library director, welcomed them and thanked them for their patience throughout the construction process.

"Welcome to the new, gorgeous Syosset Public Library," said Shirley Lang, president of the Syosset library board of trustees. Lang explained that when the library originally opened in 1970, it was designed to house 90,000 books and in 2001, there were over 250,000. "We ran out of space and we needed more room for everything," said Lang.

Lang explained that the library staff and board was looking for more than an architect for the project, but someone who could help them turn their needs into a reality. "We wanted to make this library a landmark," said Lang.

Construction was an open process than involved many meetings with the community, interviews with contractors and the eventual hiring of architect Ray Beeler.

"We are the largest single building library in the county," said Lockman. "This library is a legacy that represents the Syosset and Woodbury communities."

Lockman thanked the residents for their patience throughout the 16-month heavy construction process. During this time, the library operated out of a 3,000 square foot portion of the library known as the express library and, according to Lockman, the express library was in the top third of circulation out of all Nassau County libraries, which Lockman credited to the excellent staff.

Lockman thanked all of the staff, especially Karen Liebman, assistant library director. "Bricks don't make a library - the staff here is a big part of this and they are wonderful," said Lockman. "They bring life and character to the beautiful building. We are a library family here."

Also on hand were Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor John Venditto, Town Councilman Chris Coschignano, Town Councilwoman Rose Marie Walker, Town Receiver of Taxes James Stefanich, Nassau County Presiding Officer Judy Jacobs, Assemblyman Rob Walker, Assemblyman Charles Lavine and Senator Carl Marcellino. Citations were presented to Lang on behalf of the county and town and gifts were also presented to Lang and Lockman from various community organizations.

Library patrons then enjoyed tours of the new building, entertainment, refreshments and books - which many residents were happy to see back on the shelves.

The library, which is located at 225 South Oyster Bay Road, is open Monday - Thursday from 9 a.m.- 9 p.m.; Friday 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sunday (September - June) from noon - 5 p.m.