Carnegie Library Move a Success!!

It made it safe and sound!! Literally just a few hours ago from when I write this (aprox 3:45 am, Aug 9th) The old Carnegie Library arrived safely near its new home on the corner of West Ave and Main Street. And as incredible a sight it was to see this old building slowly move down Lake Street to West Ave, what was most gratifying to see was that over 100 people gathered from the community to watch the move starting at Midnight. What a wonderful show of support!

The Friends want to give a big thanks to Roast Coffee and Tea for staying open late, as well as for their generous donation they made towards future restoration. We also want thank Bryan Gallo for organizing the music presented by the incredible local talent we have. And of course a big thanks to Mayor Pontieri, the entire Patchogue Village Board, County Legislator Rob Calarco and Rob Loscalzo of Tritec, all of who made saving this historic structure a priority and delivered on that commitment. Special notice is also deserved for Wolfe House & Building Movers, who conducted the move with precision and expertise, getting it done quicker then was anticipated. 

Last night was another example of what makes our community special and what can happen when we all work together. Still, there is more that must be done before the Carnegie is restored as a vital community asset. I will be commenting on that in a future blog soon, but until then we have the memories of last night, which are now part of the Patchogue stories we will tell for years to come.