Come celebrate the library’s 10th anniversary!

On Saturday, Oct. 10 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., the Patchogue-Medford Library’s Carnegie Library branch on the corner of West Main Street and West Avenue, will host a community celebration for their 10th anniversary open house.

There will be pumpkin decorating, lawn games, photos, and more seasonal activities.

“The Carnegie Library is such an important part of Patchogue’s history, and we’re excited to celebrate both its preservation and the incredible community resource it has become for local teens over the past 10 years,” said the library in a statement.

“The Carnegie Library is a treasured part of Patchogue’s history and a remarkable example of what can happen when a community comes together to preserve an important piece of its past. The restoration and transformation of the historic building reflect the dedication of local leaders, organizations, and residents who recognized its importance and worked to ensure it would remain a vibrant part of village life,” said the library.

An important component of the Carnegie Library is the Carnegie Teen Center, where teenagers are provided with an inviting space to connect, explore various interests, be a part of different programs offered, and expand their friendship circle as well as their knowledge. 

“For the last 10 years, the Carnegie Teen Center has given Patchogue-Medford teens a place to belong,” said Jessi Bouchelle, Carnegie Branch & Youth Services manager. “It’s a safe, welcoming space for them to socialize, explore new interests, and grow, with programs and resources that empower teens.” 

Starting the late 1800s, the Patchogue-Medford library began an association library. The humble collection was carried between local stores and offices as they had limited funding. In 1900, the collection became a New York State-chartered library with the aid of the women’s organization Sorosis.

A donation of $15,000 from captain of industry and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie allowed the construction of the library building. With inflation, the grant is worth approximately $500,000 in 2026 currency.

The original donation of $10,000 was made around 1907 and by March 4, 1908, the building was erected.

“It’s not every day that a library is quite literally rolled down the street because the community values it so deeply,” said Danielle DeMicco Paisley, director of the Patchogue-Medford Public Library. “The Patchogue-Medford Carnegie Library is that special place. For many residents, it was their first library, and now a new generation is creating memories there. Having played a small role in the restoration of this landmark and then witnessing its transformation into the vibrant teen center it is today has been both an honor and a privilege.” 

The historic landmark remained unoccupied after the main public library moved its location to a more central part of Main Street. With the strong sense of public duty and preservation of historical markers, the community came together for a rebirth of the neoclassical building.