Saturday, November 23 marked a historic day for the Mastics- Moriches-Shirley Community Library as community members, library officials, and dignitaries gathered for the grand reopening and ribbon-cutting ceremony of the newly renovated main library located at 407 William Floyd Parkway in Shirley.
The transformed 45,000-square-foot facility promises to offer patrons modernized, accessible, and innovative spaces designed to foster learning, community connection, and cultural enrichment for all ages.
This milestone is part of the library district’s $26.7 million capital improvement project, approved by voters in December 2019, which also includes the completion last year of satellite branches in Mastic Beach and Moriches.
This three-branch solution was created to extend library access across the district’s sprawling geography, addressing long-standing transportation and access challenges.
“We’ve listened to our community’s feedback and delivered a beautiful, state-of-the-art main library that’s truly for everyone,” said Library Director Kerri Rosalia. “From quiet study spaces to hands-on maker spaces and advanced technology resources, this building has been reimagined to meet the diverse needs of our patrons. Today’s reopening signifies a new era for our library.”
Expansive Modernization with the Community at Heart
The renovations at the main library reflect both an expansion in services and a redesign that promotes ease of use. Key features include enhanced meeting and activity rooms to accommodate a broad range of programs, from educational classes to community gatherings, a performance space with ADA-compliant seating and restrooms, state-of-the-art computer labs, and dedicated quiet zones.
With more private spaces for study and improved service desks, the library has introduced sound-damping glass partitions to ensure a quieter environment. The makerspace, which includes cutting-edge technology such as 3D printers and coding equipment, provides a unique platform for creativity and skill-building.
Library Board President Joseph Maiorana emphasized the importance of the project to the community’s growth.
“With each enhancement, we’re delivering not just a library but a resource hub that opens doors to knowledge, creativity, and opportunity for every resident. This main library, together with our new satellite branches, represents a unified commitment to serving all corners of our community.”
A New Model for Library Accessibility
This renovation follows the opening of two 7,000-square-foot satellite branches strategically located in Mastic Beach and Moriches. Each branch offers accessible services within easy reach for patrons, particularly those previously underserved due to distance and transportation challenges.
“Libraries are cornerstones to our communities,” said Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, “They have always brought people together and helped shape the character of a neighborhood. Congratulations to those who worked to make this project happen in the name of your neighbors and friends.”
Local and State Support
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by a host of local and state officials who praised the library’s vision and commitment to community service.
Suffolk County Legislator Jim Mazzarella, a former library trustee, stated, “Libraries are the heart of a community, and this newly modernized main branch demonstrates a dedication to making essential resources available to all. I’m proud to have been part of a team that brought this vision to fruition.”
“This certainly has been a long time coming and I want to thank the community and the library staff for their patience and resiliency,” said New York State Senator Dean Murray. “This library is more than just a building—it’s a place where our residents can thrive, connect, and grow. I’m thrilled to have supported this project, which demonstrates how local and state partnerships can bring impactful resources to our community.”
“Securing grant funding for this project was a top priority of mine, as the library is an invaluable resource for our residents, commented New York State Assemblyman Joe DeStefano. “I am proud to support a library that fosters learning, inclusion, and innovation for everyone in the district.”
The grand re-opening of the main library is symbolic of the communities served by this library system,” commented Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico. “It is emblematic of the persistence, hard work, and commitment to elevate the availability of educational and cultural programming for an area on the rise. I hope everyone utilizes this newly renovated branch to its maximum potential and wish the library great success.”
“Our libraries can serve as an important, positive, focal point in our community,” said Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Karen Dunne Kesnig. “The grand reopening of the Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Community Library is a long-awaited occasion that is worth celebrating. Moving forward, all residents can benefit from the wide variety of services provided at all three branches of the library.”
About the Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Community Library
The Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Community Library was established by the voters of the William Floyd School District in the summer of 1974. It opened to the public in June 1975, when it was located in two small, portable classrooms on the William Floyd School District property. Since 1982, it has been one of Suffolk County’s most utilized libraries, occupying what is now a renovated, state-of-the-art 45,000-square-foot building on William Floyd Parkway in Shirley. Since its inception, the library has been a leader in providing innovative services that include automation; children’s and family programming; services for teens and seniors; cultural activities; literacy services; community outreach initiatives; digital services and technology support; career and college readiness assistance; lifelong learning opportunities; and partnerships with local businesses and community organizations. The recipient of numerous grants in support of its unique programs and services, the library has been recognized in such major media as Newsday, the New York Times, NBC’s Channel 4, and News 12. For more information, visit www.communitylibrary.org.
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