Community Corner
RVC Library to Close for Renovations
50-year-old building to receive new lighting system, ceiling tiles and paint job during September.
Starting on Sept. 3, the on North Village Avenue will be closed for renovations, library officials said.
The skylight in the library’s main reading room is 30 years old, explained Library Director Maureen Chiofalo, so enhanced and energy-efficient lighting will be installed next month. In addition, some old and stained ceiling tiles are expected to be replaced with newer ones to enhance the building’s overall appearance.
“It’ll be a much nicer atmosphere,” Chiofalo said. “We are expecting better lighting and a cleaner look.” Before the renovation begins, the Children’s Room will be closed starting Aug. 29. It will be repainted before the building reopens to the public on Sept. 20 at 10 a.m.
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During the renovation period, the library will be closed for approximately two and a half weeks. Villagers will be able to use neighboring library buildings in Oceanside, Baldwin and East Rockaway to take out books and other materials, but they may not return items to the Rockville Centre location. Chiofalo said that all the surrounding libraries have already been contacted about the construction and paint work that is being done.
The village library, which opened in 1962, has undergone one renovation period in the past — when it expanded its facility in the late 80s, early 90s. Since then, its lighting, ceiling and paint has deteriorated.
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Chiofalo said the timing of the renovation project is perfect, and as the school year begins and enters the fall months, these improvements needed to be addressed. “It’s the best,” Chiofalo said. “It’s the beginning of the school year and there aren’t many big assignments. It’s absolutely the best time of year we could have done it.”
Funding for the project will come out of the library reserve fund. The Rockville Centre Library Board of Trustees set aside money to complete the renovation, and no additional village tax dollars have been added to the project.
Chiofalo also said she is in the process of writing a grant to the New York State Library Construction to attain additional funding.
After the library reopens, programs are not expected to resume right away. All programs are still canceled for September, but will resume in October.
The library’s Board of Trustees meeting will still be held on Sept. 8 at the Sandel Senior Center.
