Senator Flanagan's Legislation To Assist Growth Of Smithtown Library Passes Senate

To help the Smithtown Special Library District deliver the best services possible for the residents of Smithtown, Senator John Flanagan (2nd Senate District) announced Senate passage of legislation that will make it easier for continued growth and improvement of this educational resource. The legislation, which is sponsored in the Assembly by Michael Fitzpatrick (7th Assembly District), would enable the library district to undertake important initiatives that will enhance the enjoyment of all library patrons.

When approved in the Assembly and signed into law, this legislation will place the Smithtown Special Library District on a list of libraries eligible for construction and financing assistance from the New York State Dormitory Authority.

This placement will permit the library to finance future expansion and capital improvements through this powerful institution. That will allow for more efficient and cost effective financing that will lead to a better library system for Smithtown residents.

"On behalf of the Smithtown Library I want to thank Senator Flanagan for his efforts in the successful passage of this bill," stated Robert Lusak, the Library Director of the Smithtown Special Library District. "His efforts have been critical in allowing us to finance our proposed library expansion and renovation project through the Dormitory Authority."

Senator Flanagan and Assemblyman Fitzpatrick have worked together before to help the Smithtown Library. At the request of both the Town of Smithtown and the Smithtown Library Special District, the two legislators successfully sponsored legislation last year that allowed the Town of Smithtown to transfer the Nesconset Armory property to the Smithtown Library District. Since the Armory site was originally designated by the town as parkland when it purchased the land from the state in the mid-1990s, the change was needed to legally authorize an alternative use for this property.

The ability to finance the Nesconset project through the dormitory authority will enable the library to offer the best possible library to the community. In addition, the library is looking to expand and improve the Commack, Kings Park and Smithtown branches to enhance services.

"Libraries are more than buildings that house books - they can be community centers and provide educational opportunities for everyone. The residents of Smithtown deserve a place they can be proud of and that will enrich their lives. This legislation will give the Smithtown Library with the ability to deliver that library to our entire community and offer our children a place to expand their minds," stated Senator Flanagan.

The legislation will go into effect immediately upon its adoption.