Are You a Friend of the Carnegie Library?

For the past week many on this site have been reading a about a structure in the Village of Patchogue known as the . Actually for life-timers like myself, it is just known as “the library,” since that is where we got our books when we were children.

Now, thanks to this recent debate, we all have been made aware of the historical significance this structure means to our community beyond where I got my first copy of Catcher in the Rye. Now we know this structure housed Patchogue’s first public library, built early in the 20th Century as one of hundreds of public libraries, thanks to the philanthropic donations of one of our nations most famous industrialists, Andrew Carnegie. (How ironic this discussion takes place while protests of corporate greed grow daily on Wall Street.) We learned that there are only a few of these structures left nationwide, one of only two left on Long Island.

We were also reminded that saving and moving this structure is a commitment Tritec made as part of their redevelopment plan for Main Street. Well, that was until a recent article appeared on this site. The article highlighted that the Mayor and Tritec were concerned where to move this structure, how to pay for it, and what to do with it once moved. Doubts were raised if saving the old library building was even feasible. Hence began the debate: What to do with the Carnegie Library?

Many, including myself, declared we must save the Library from the wrecking ball. In fact the majority of our Village Board, including the Mayor, have publicly made clear they want to save the building. The Mayor, as his responsibility requires, questions can we afford it? Is it worth it? Legitimate questions for sure.

With these questions in mind a few of us committed to the belief the Library can and must be saved gathered this past Monday evening at on Main Street to discuss what can be done. To our pleasant surprise we were joined by the Mayor and three of our Village Trustees, representing both factions on the Village Board, all making clear they are committed to saving this building. They even had some very interesting proposals and thoughts I am sure will be discussed at .

Those of us that gathered have decided to create a civic movement to offer support and assistance towards any and all efforts made to preserve one of the few historic structures our community has left. Tentatively called “Friends of the Carnegie Library,” we encourage everyone interested to please attend tonight’s Village Board Meeting, 14 Baker Street, Patchogue at 7:30pm where this issue will be discussed and voice your opinion.

Join us as we begin this campaign. It will take a lot of work and the Village will need a lot of support to make this happen. We commit that we will not be a part of any political faction or agenda with only one goal in mind: save the Carnegie Library. So I ask, are you a Friend of the Carnegie Library? Contact me at dmk11772@yahoo.com.