Stephany Seifert was weeding out negative space using special tweezers for a Cricket project with staffer Olivia LoSardo. “We use Cricket vinyl,” said Kelly Sheridan, head of Teen Services and manager of the Bayport-Blue Point Library’s Makerspace, of the colorful sheet.

“This is one of the most used machines in the library,” said director Mike Firestone.

There is also a sublimation process, which prints images on materials like canvas shopping bags. The Cricket machine can transfer images, too.

These technologies are a small part of the library’s allure. 

Firestone turned on a video. About 35 to 40 sixth to 12th graders were quietly absorbed in the Gene Horton Room with Back to School Bingo for School Supplies, which Sheridan headed up.

“This core group is here every day,” added Firestone. A student even uses the library piano to practice.  “It’s like a classical concert every day,” he said.

“It’s a very bikeable community,” emphasized  Sheridan. “I ask them ‘What do you want?’ as programs. A lot of them just want to come here and hang out.”

The old library on Blue Point Avenue was used and well-loved, but space became restrictive for a teen room and other programs. “But now we have the space and can let our ideas loose,” Firestone said.

The new library is 29,900 square feet on 8.27 acres; the old one had 13,325 square feet with a much smaller footprint.

Firestone said they just completed paperwork in the spring on the old building on Blue Point Avenue, transferring it from the school district to the library. “The public had to approve it in 2023,” he said. “The library now officially owns the property.” Books and other items had to be moved while Firestone and his group set up their new home.

“The cemetery is a separate parcel owned by the Blue Point Cemetery Association,” he explained of the small parcel with headstones in the building’s rear. “There’s an easement for the cemetery. Also, an easement for the Blue Point Fire Department for 13 parking spaces on their side. The fire department can use it as well as the new buyer.”

“We’ve had multiple parties interested, but we had to get the paperwork completed.”

“This is year three that we’ve been here, and it’s been wonderful with the outdoor concerts,” Firestone said. “This summer the stats have been through the roof.”

Patrons can’t get enough of senior flex, chair yoga, regular yoga, and Pilates. Also cooking classes.

Over 10,000 people a month come through the library doors. “That’s the best derivative of usage,” Firestone said.

As for programs in the works for the future, “we have a concept percolating to use the property on the back walking trail like a Winter Wonderland, but the plan is in early stages and still being considered.”

Also, “a local authors program will take place in October.”

“We’re thrilled with the public’s decision to put us here,” he said.