FAQs
(Some questions appear in more than one section)
Voting
How do I vote?
All voting will be by mail.
You will receive your ballot in the mail starting the week of May 18th.
Your ballot must be received by 5 pm on Tuesday June 9th.
Where can I mail my ballot?
You can mail it at any post office (not just Oceanside's)
You can leave it for your letter carrier by placing it in your mailbox.
You can mail it at any mailbox. A list of local mailboxes is in the file below.
Who decided this procedure?
This comes from NY State.
How do I vote?
All voting will be by mail.
You will receive your ballot in the mail starting the week of May 18th.
Your ballot must be received by 5 pm on Tuesday June 9th.
Where can I mail my ballot?
You can mail it at any post office (not just Oceanside's)
You can leave it for your letter carrier by placing it in your mailbox.
You can mail it at any mailbox. A list of local mailboxes is in the file below.
Who decided this procedure?
This comes from NY State.
| public_mail_collection_boxes_in_oceanside.pdf |
INFRASTRUCTURE
What are the infrastructure plans included in Vision 2020?
We are planning a new roof, a new HVAC system, new bathrooms, LED lighting, energy/noise efficient windows, two elevators, solar panels, new sidewalks and repaved parking lots.
Are you staying within the four corners of the current building?
Yes. Essentially we are adding a second floor and basement to the Children’s Room area. We will be looking to bump out a little in the front to provide for an entrance which will cut down on noise, loss of air conditioning and heat, etc., and we are looking to add a small glassed-in addition towards our garden which will provide for year round comfortable seating in that area.
Why do you need a new roof?
The current roof is 23+ years old and is leaking. It is continuously being patched and repaired. The roof has a number of pitches to it which are the key leak areas.
The current building has a number of peaks. The peaks on the left side of the building are over the current quiet study area. They serve no interior purpose and result in tremendous echoes and loss of heat. The plan is to flatten the entire roof and eliminate the problematic pitches. It is also anticipated we will have better insulation to help with energy efficiency.
Why do you need new bathrooms?
The bathrooms have seen over 4 million visitors in the 22 years since they were installed. While our custodians do an amazing job of keeping them clean, they are showing their wear, and we have had an increasing number of repairs.
The current bathrooms do not have floor drains which makes it difficult for the custodians to clean and sanitize. They have “old-style” faucets, urinals, and toilets. New hands-free fixtures and floor drains will make the bathrooms more sanitary and water-efficient.
Why are there different kinds of bathrooms on the plans?
There are basic mens’ rooms and womens’ rooms on each floor. In addition, there are individual-use bathrooms, meaning that they are either family bathrooms or gender-neutral. These individual-use bathrooms will be designed so that a caregiver of a special needs or disabled patron can situate the patron, then retreat to a small privacy area. This is done for dignity and best use of the facility.
How many bathrooms does the library need?
We currently do not have any bathrooms on the second floor. That needs to be rectified.
We are putting in “regular” men’s/women’s bathrooms on each floor.
We are adding a family bathroom in the Children’s Room.
We are also adding in a Family/Gender Neutral bathroom on the lower level near the event space.
Any other bathroom modifications?
Yes. At least one of the bathrooms will be designed with a privacy area. Many of our patrons have special needs or physical disabilities and require assistance in bathrooms from their caregivers. A privacy area allows the caregiver to get the patron situated and then retreat to allow for privacy and dignity--while still being available to provide assistance.
Why do you need a new HVAC System?
We need a new heating and ventilation system for two main reasons. First, we put in over $50,000 worth of repairs over the last year. Second, today there are much more efficient ways to balance off the heating and air conditioning, to make our energy use more efficient and to save funds.
Why do you need new lights?
Currently our lights are antiquated and inefficient. We are constantly replacing ballasts and bulbs. LED lights will provide better lighting, last longer, and will operate at a much cheaper cost. In addition, in much of the Library the fixtures were installed crosswise to the stacks, which means that about 30% of the light falls on the top of the stacks. This should be corrected.
Replacing the lighting will result in better illumination and a significant energy savings.
Why do you need new windows?
Our current windows are single pane and leaking in places. The new format triple pane, reflective windows, will provide us with increased noise reduction and will be much more energy efficient.
Why do you need new elevators? And why two?
We currently have one “LULO” (low-use low-occupancy lift) which is not a true elevator. The current shaft is too small for a replacement commercial elevator. Our current elevator has been out of production for over 20 years: there are no replacement parts available. All repairs require the parts to be custom-built (both expensive and time-consuming). In 2018 we were without an elevator for 4 months.
Many of our patrons require an elevator to access the various floors, either because they use a stroller, walker, wheelchair, or cannot handle stairs.
Two elevators will share the load, and will ensure that even during maintenance periods our patrons will have full access to the entire building. Dividing the load between two elevators should extend their life.
GREEN
Are there any environmentally friendly parts of this project?
Yes, several. We are going to put solar panels on the roof. The new roof, windows, HVAC system, and lighting should all result in significant energy savings. The new bathrooms will be designed to reduce water use.
Why solar panels?
We believe it is imperative that the library cut down our energy use as much as we can and believe the solar panels will meet that requirement. This is in addition to the energy efficient lighting, roof, windows, bathrooms, etc.
What about a green roof?
We had discussed having a true green roof; the cost was prohibitive and is NOT specifically included in the cost estimates (it would be an add-on if the proposals come in low enough). We will consider a garden or smaller project on the roof, but that will be subject to design, Town rules, and cost. That said, many people with expertise are cautioning us on this part of the project and we are listening.
Why do you need a new HVAC System?
We need a new heating, air conditioning, and ventilation system for two main reasons. First, we put in over $50,000 worth of repairs over the last year. Second, today there are much more efficient ways to balance off the heating and air conditioning, to make our energy use more efficient and to save funds.
Why do you need new lights?
Currently our lights are antiquated and inefficient. We are constantly replacing ballasts and bulbs. LED lights will provide better lighting, last longer, and will operate at a much cheaper cost. In addition, in much of the Library the fixtures were installed crosswise to the book stacks, which means that about 30% of the light falls on the top of the stacks. This should be corrected.
Replacing the lighting will result in better illumination at a significant energy savings.
Why do you need new windows?
Our current windows are single pane and leaking in places. The new format triple pane, reflective windows, will provide us with increased noise reduction and will be much more energy efficient.
SECURITY
I have heard there is going to be upgraded security in this project. What are the security plans?
Most importantly, we will be working with a security expert to provide active shooter safety measures.
What active shooter safety measures will you be installing?
We will hire a safety consultant to help with design, material purchases, etc. Because we do not want anyone knowing how we are going to secure this building, we will not be publicly revealing these features. We believe that this policy makes the most sense (and is based on advice we have received from safety experts.)
EXTERIOR
Why do the sidewalks and parking lot need to be redone?
The sidewalks and parking lots are 22 years old and are in need of repair and, in a good portion, replacement. In addition, drainage needs to be modified.
I heard that you are buying the property next door. Which property and why?
We are in contract, subject to the bond passing, to purchase the doctor’s office to the west of the building (when you are looking at the front of the building it is to the right). This will provide us with an estimated 15 to 20 new parking spots. With the increased use of the library, these spots are necessary. However, the key reason is that crossing Davison Avenue is problematic. Many cars do not stop for pedestrians in the crosswalk. We have asked the County to look at alternate ways of highlighting the crosswalk, but we believe that putting 15 to 20 more cars with patrons and families on this side of Davison will make it a safer building all around.
The Town of Hempstead lot across the street is seeing a significant increase in use. The tenants in the former Vanella’s Funeral Home location are requiring their employees to park in the Town lot instead of on their property. Furthermore, new and more vibrant tenants are opening in the location, which will further put pressure on spot availability.
An opportunity to purchase adjacent land is a rare one; we believe this may be the only opportunity we will ever have to add this parking.
REDESIGN & NEW FEATURES
A theater?
Each month we present dozens of plays, concerts, lectures, seminars, movies, etc. in our Meeting Room 1. It is a flat floored multi-purpose room. The plans call for the installation of a 165-seat auditorium with a pitched floor. This will give all in attendance good sight lines. It is not a Broadway theater; we do not foresee curtains and the ability to have actors fly about the stage. It is essentially the same room we have now but with good sightlines, comfortable seating, and a pitched floor.
What is planned for the Children’s Room?
We currently have a number of issues involving the Children’s Room: first, the stacks are all very high, making it difficult for our young patrons to reach books; second, the sight lines of the room currently are limited and our librarians and staff sitting at the children’s desk cannot see much of the room.
The new plans provide for a number of improvements in the Children’s Room, which are:
YA stands for young adult (in library- world, grades 7th through 12th). Middle and high school students use the library extensively for group study particularly at test time but also throughout the year. Many modern libraries have a separate young adult room where the teens can hang out and interact. Quite frankly we would rather have the kids here in the library then just about anywhere else. The plans would provide for a teen area as well as group study areas that could be used without disturbing other patrons.
What are you doing for adults?
We are putting in stacks which are more appropriate for adults (particularly cutting back on the use of the shelves that are at floor level). Our stacks we believe are too close together and need to be separated a bit for better accessibility.
We will install better lighting and comfortable seating along the windows to allow for a more pleasant library experience.
We will have numerous quiet reading areas, quiet study areas and group study rooms which will allow patrons places to either a) talk with each other or b) be able to read book, magazines, newspapers, etc. in quiet.
I hear that you are putting in a café. Is this really necessary? Is Wolfgang Puck going to put in a restaurant?
When we say café, we mean a small area to include a few vending machines where someone can come in grab a cup of coffee and read a book. Modern libraries today all include what is essentially a coffee area. We will certainly look into having an outside group coming in to run the café (whether a special needs organization or commercial vendor) but the key point is we want to keep people in the library as long as we can. We have many patrons who come here whether they are studying for graduate exams, civil service tests, or simply coming to read and they who spend a long time here. We want to make it as comfortable for them as possible. No panini bar, no sushi bar and we do not believe Wolfgang Puck will be here (however, we would be happy to invite him.)
What is a demonstration kitchen?
The most requested programs in libraries, and certainly in ours, are cooking classes. We currently run modified cooking classes for children, teens, special need teens, and adults. We do not have the facility to run a true cooking class, which would include baking, cooking, etc. In the plans there is a room designed for the arts and crafts programs, which can be messy, as well as a demonstration kitchen. Everything in the room (floors, walls, furniture, etc.) will be designed for easy cleaning, including a floor drain to allow for heavy cleaning at times. The room will be properly vented and thus will allow us to offer true cooking and nutrition classes for all.
What is a STEM-MakerSpace Room (Science Technology Engineering Math)?
We have a number of tech programs for children, teens, and adults that currently have no home. For example, we have a 3D Printer, robots, additional computers, professional video equipment, and more. These items are used for tech programming, which is essentially run out of carts. This requires much staff time to be dedicated to carting these items around, setting them up, and breaking them down, which is a considerable amount of time that could be better spent.
In the plans, there is a room dedicated solely to tech. What type of tech? Any kind of tech. Currently, we anticipate putting in: a green screen so that our teens and even our adults can create videos; sound equipment so we can do podcasts; large printing apparatus that the public can use to make flyers and posters; and other equipment that would be available for public use.
What upgraded furniture are you looking to add?
Our furniture, while in decent shape, is 20+ years old. Modern library furniture provides for charging stations, is more comfortable, and is designed to be easily cleaned and sanitized. There is also some alternative furniture—ADA compliant, Special Needs accommodated, size accommodated—we believe we should have on premises.
Will you still have a large circulation desk like you do now?
No. The new plans will provide for a Welcome Desk and self-check-out kiosks throughout the library. For instance, a patron in the Children’s Room will be able to check-out there, pack up, and not have to worry about their children leaving the front door while checking out at the front circulation desk. The Welcome Desk will handle museum passes, program registration, special materials, and other patron-relations duties.
Why are you putting the Children’s Room on the second floor?
There are several important reasons behind this decision.
First, we want as much separation between adults and children as possible. By putting the Children’s Room and Young Adult Areas on the second floor, we can better monitor “unattended adults” and limit the interaction between children and non-related adults. Currently we have an area by the copy machine and bathrooms that is shared jointly by adults and children. We believe it would be safer to have the separation.
Second, we believe that by putting the Children’s Room on the second floor we significantly cut down on the likelihood of a child exiting the building unaccompanied. The automatic front doors currently at the front of the building have raised this concern.
Finally, this will allow for more space. Since we will be adding lower stacks to the Children’s Room for improved sightlines and ease of access for our youngest patrons, the result is an increased need for space for books and materials.
We have identified dozens of libraries on Long Island and across the country which have their childrens' area off the main floor. None report any issues. We have included two elevators in the plans to make sure that patrons with strollers and small children will have full access to the Childrens' Room on the second floor and the program/event space located on the lower level.
How are you improving the meeting rooms?
If you have been in our meeting rooms, you know there are poles in the middle of the rooms. The poles are not spaced equally and while we cannot do anything with the poles, as they are important to the structural integrity of the building, we can redesign the way the rooms are laid out. By redesigning the rooms around the support structures, we will be able to have more patron access without the poles interfering with sight lines and other spatial issues.
You have listed upgraded signage as an item. What is this?
Currently our signage is outdated. For instance, with the current stacks, permanent signage was put up with the Dewey Decimal Classification numbers for each row. As the collection has expanded or contracted those signs no longer reflect what is in those rows. In addition, we need better signage pointing towards bathrooms, and signage explaining how to use copy machines, etc. This is a very low-cost item, but it is included in the plans because it is something we believe can make for a better experience within the building. In addition, we will need exterior signage and an internal directional as you come into the building to advise where the various programs and materials can be located.
I saw a list about after-hours access. What is this about?
We have designed the building to allow patrons to come in the front door and immediately go downstairs to the event and program rooms, without access to the rest of the library. This will allow us to run study halls, concerts, movies, lectures, etc. both before and after normal library hours without having to add additional staff.
You have listed a redesigned back office area in the plans. What is that?
Currently our office staff is spread out in a disjointed way that does not allow for efficient workflow. The plans will provide for almost all of the staff to be located on the second floor and laid out in a way that makes sense given the way books are processed, the way our financial staff interacts, etc.
Did I see that you are adding a lactation room?
Yes, you did. We will have a lactation room available near the Children’s Room. We are committed to ensuring that we are able to provide a welcoming and accommodating environment for every patron.
FINANCES
How much is this going to cost?
The bond we are proposing is a maximum of $33,500,000. This will cost us, at most $1,800,000 per year. Actual costs will depend on the final design, contracts, and interest rate available. We have built in a substantial amount of “cushion” and are using a very high interest rate, just to be certain we have the funds to complete the project.
Currently the average household in Oceanside pays approximately $314.00 per year, this would be an increase of $140.00 per year ($11.66 per month per household) raising the household average to $454.00 per year.
Does this mean that we are paying the most taxes in Nassau County for libraries?
No. Currently we are 30th in per capita spending among the 54 libraries. That is, there are 29 libraries that are charging more per person than we are. If the bond passes we will rise to 15th in the County placing us between North Merrick and Roosevelt.
How did you arrive at $33,500,000?
We spoke with experts, principally our architect, who provided this as an estimate. We figured “high” on each item within the proposal; built in is at least $5,000,000 in contingency expenses.
In addition, we retained a bond consultant who provided us with the current interest rate, a “conservative” interest rate that may be payable a year from now when the bonds would be sold, and a very conservative interest rate, meaning that interest rates would have to go up very high for us to have to pay that high a number. We are using the highest number. We are doing this because we want to make sure that we can do those things we are telling people we are going to do.
Will we know how the money is spent?
We are going to put every contract and every check on-line so you can see where the money is going, who is getting paid and how much. See the tab above "Vendors & Payments". It will be updated regularly.
What happens if you do not spend all $33,500,000 dollars or if the interest rate comes in lower than very conservative number you are using?
If this project does not cost us the full $33,500,000 or if the interest rate is lower and we are able to borrow the money we need for less than the $1,800,000, all of the remaining funds are returned to the taxpayer in the form of tax abatement, or used to offset budgetary and/or long-term capital expense. That is, the taxpayer benefits from every penny included in this plan.
Who has been hired so far? How much has been spent so far?
If you click on the Vendors and Payment tab on this site, you will see everyone who has been hired, why they were hired, and a listing of all payments. This will be updated frequently throughout the project.
Contracts will also be available online for your review.
TIMELINE
What is the time frame for this project?
If the bond passes this May, we are told that obtaining approvals, etc. will take 6 to 9 months. We are building in some cushion time and are figuring a year for these processes. We are told the construction will take 12 to 16 months; we are assuming 2 years.
Will the Library be open during construction?
We will be renting space in town to provide full library services; we have included anticipated moving costs and rental expense in the proposal. We anticipate the space will be raw, fun, and maybe a little unconventional. But we anticipate having full library services.
What are the infrastructure plans included in Vision 2020?
We are planning a new roof, a new HVAC system, new bathrooms, LED lighting, energy/noise efficient windows, two elevators, solar panels, new sidewalks and repaved parking lots.
Are you staying within the four corners of the current building?
Yes. Essentially we are adding a second floor and basement to the Children’s Room area. We will be looking to bump out a little in the front to provide for an entrance which will cut down on noise, loss of air conditioning and heat, etc., and we are looking to add a small glassed-in addition towards our garden which will provide for year round comfortable seating in that area.
Why do you need a new roof?
The current roof is 23+ years old and is leaking. It is continuously being patched and repaired. The roof has a number of pitches to it which are the key leak areas.
The current building has a number of peaks. The peaks on the left side of the building are over the current quiet study area. They serve no interior purpose and result in tremendous echoes and loss of heat. The plan is to flatten the entire roof and eliminate the problematic pitches. It is also anticipated we will have better insulation to help with energy efficiency.
Why do you need new bathrooms?
The bathrooms have seen over 4 million visitors in the 22 years since they were installed. While our custodians do an amazing job of keeping them clean, they are showing their wear, and we have had an increasing number of repairs.
The current bathrooms do not have floor drains which makes it difficult for the custodians to clean and sanitize. They have “old-style” faucets, urinals, and toilets. New hands-free fixtures and floor drains will make the bathrooms more sanitary and water-efficient.
Why are there different kinds of bathrooms on the plans?
There are basic mens’ rooms and womens’ rooms on each floor. In addition, there are individual-use bathrooms, meaning that they are either family bathrooms or gender-neutral. These individual-use bathrooms will be designed so that a caregiver of a special needs or disabled patron can situate the patron, then retreat to a small privacy area. This is done for dignity and best use of the facility.
How many bathrooms does the library need?
We currently do not have any bathrooms on the second floor. That needs to be rectified.
We are putting in “regular” men’s/women’s bathrooms on each floor.
We are adding a family bathroom in the Children’s Room.
We are also adding in a Family/Gender Neutral bathroom on the lower level near the event space.
Any other bathroom modifications?
Yes. At least one of the bathrooms will be designed with a privacy area. Many of our patrons have special needs or physical disabilities and require assistance in bathrooms from their caregivers. A privacy area allows the caregiver to get the patron situated and then retreat to allow for privacy and dignity--while still being available to provide assistance.
Why do you need a new HVAC System?
We need a new heating and ventilation system for two main reasons. First, we put in over $50,000 worth of repairs over the last year. Second, today there are much more efficient ways to balance off the heating and air conditioning, to make our energy use more efficient and to save funds.
Why do you need new lights?
Currently our lights are antiquated and inefficient. We are constantly replacing ballasts and bulbs. LED lights will provide better lighting, last longer, and will operate at a much cheaper cost. In addition, in much of the Library the fixtures were installed crosswise to the stacks, which means that about 30% of the light falls on the top of the stacks. This should be corrected.
Replacing the lighting will result in better illumination and a significant energy savings.
Why do you need new windows?
Our current windows are single pane and leaking in places. The new format triple pane, reflective windows, will provide us with increased noise reduction and will be much more energy efficient.
Why do you need new elevators? And why two?
We currently have one “LULO” (low-use low-occupancy lift) which is not a true elevator. The current shaft is too small for a replacement commercial elevator. Our current elevator has been out of production for over 20 years: there are no replacement parts available. All repairs require the parts to be custom-built (both expensive and time-consuming). In 2018 we were without an elevator for 4 months.
Many of our patrons require an elevator to access the various floors, either because they use a stroller, walker, wheelchair, or cannot handle stairs.
Two elevators will share the load, and will ensure that even during maintenance periods our patrons will have full access to the entire building. Dividing the load between two elevators should extend their life.
GREEN
Are there any environmentally friendly parts of this project?
Yes, several. We are going to put solar panels on the roof. The new roof, windows, HVAC system, and lighting should all result in significant energy savings. The new bathrooms will be designed to reduce water use.
Why solar panels?
We believe it is imperative that the library cut down our energy use as much as we can and believe the solar panels will meet that requirement. This is in addition to the energy efficient lighting, roof, windows, bathrooms, etc.
What about a green roof?
We had discussed having a true green roof; the cost was prohibitive and is NOT specifically included in the cost estimates (it would be an add-on if the proposals come in low enough). We will consider a garden or smaller project on the roof, but that will be subject to design, Town rules, and cost. That said, many people with expertise are cautioning us on this part of the project and we are listening.
Why do you need a new HVAC System?
We need a new heating, air conditioning, and ventilation system for two main reasons. First, we put in over $50,000 worth of repairs over the last year. Second, today there are much more efficient ways to balance off the heating and air conditioning, to make our energy use more efficient and to save funds.
Why do you need new lights?
Currently our lights are antiquated and inefficient. We are constantly replacing ballasts and bulbs. LED lights will provide better lighting, last longer, and will operate at a much cheaper cost. In addition, in much of the Library the fixtures were installed crosswise to the book stacks, which means that about 30% of the light falls on the top of the stacks. This should be corrected.
Replacing the lighting will result in better illumination at a significant energy savings.
Why do you need new windows?
Our current windows are single pane and leaking in places. The new format triple pane, reflective windows, will provide us with increased noise reduction and will be much more energy efficient.
SECURITY
I have heard there is going to be upgraded security in this project. What are the security plans?
- By purchasing the property next door and adding 15-20 parking spaces to our side parking lot, fewer patrons will have to cross Davison Avenue. We believe this makes for a safer facility in its entirety.
- By moving the Childrens’ area to the second floor, we separate the children from non-affiliated adults, and we decrease the likelihood of a child exiting the building unattended.
- Better exterior lighting in the front of the building will increase safety and security.
- Additional (and upgraded) cameras inside and out of the building will increase security.
- Better internal security system for materials, especially our tech materials, as it is planned that items like laptops will be made available for use in the library.
- Redesigned book stacks, etc. will provide better sightlines for our staff.
Most importantly, we will be working with a security expert to provide active shooter safety measures.
What active shooter safety measures will you be installing?
We will hire a safety consultant to help with design, material purchases, etc. Because we do not want anyone knowing how we are going to secure this building, we will not be publicly revealing these features. We believe that this policy makes the most sense (and is based on advice we have received from safety experts.)
EXTERIOR
Why do the sidewalks and parking lot need to be redone?
The sidewalks and parking lots are 22 years old and are in need of repair and, in a good portion, replacement. In addition, drainage needs to be modified.
I heard that you are buying the property next door. Which property and why?
We are in contract, subject to the bond passing, to purchase the doctor’s office to the west of the building (when you are looking at the front of the building it is to the right). This will provide us with an estimated 15 to 20 new parking spots. With the increased use of the library, these spots are necessary. However, the key reason is that crossing Davison Avenue is problematic. Many cars do not stop for pedestrians in the crosswalk. We have asked the County to look at alternate ways of highlighting the crosswalk, but we believe that putting 15 to 20 more cars with patrons and families on this side of Davison will make it a safer building all around.
The Town of Hempstead lot across the street is seeing a significant increase in use. The tenants in the former Vanella’s Funeral Home location are requiring their employees to park in the Town lot instead of on their property. Furthermore, new and more vibrant tenants are opening in the location, which will further put pressure on spot availability.
An opportunity to purchase adjacent land is a rare one; we believe this may be the only opportunity we will ever have to add this parking.
REDESIGN & NEW FEATURES
A theater?
Each month we present dozens of plays, concerts, lectures, seminars, movies, etc. in our Meeting Room 1. It is a flat floored multi-purpose room. The plans call for the installation of a 165-seat auditorium with a pitched floor. This will give all in attendance good sight lines. It is not a Broadway theater; we do not foresee curtains and the ability to have actors fly about the stage. It is essentially the same room we have now but with good sightlines, comfortable seating, and a pitched floor.
What is planned for the Children’s Room?
We currently have a number of issues involving the Children’s Room: first, the stacks are all very high, making it difficult for our young patrons to reach books; second, the sight lines of the room currently are limited and our librarians and staff sitting at the children’s desk cannot see much of the room.
The new plans provide for a number of improvements in the Children’s Room, which are:
- Lower stacks that are also moveable;
- A slightly larger Children’s Program Room than we currently have;
- A place for strollers;
- A place for the parents to sit while waiting for the children in the programs;
- Space for computers and play areas;
- A tweens space for the 5th and 6th graders who are not yet ready for the teens section, but do want separation from the very young children;
- A quiet study area for the many elementary school students who come in to use the library for their homework (particularly those who do not have a computer or printer at home).
YA stands for young adult (in library- world, grades 7th through 12th). Middle and high school students use the library extensively for group study particularly at test time but also throughout the year. Many modern libraries have a separate young adult room where the teens can hang out and interact. Quite frankly we would rather have the kids here in the library then just about anywhere else. The plans would provide for a teen area as well as group study areas that could be used without disturbing other patrons.
What are you doing for adults?
We are putting in stacks which are more appropriate for adults (particularly cutting back on the use of the shelves that are at floor level). Our stacks we believe are too close together and need to be separated a bit for better accessibility.
We will install better lighting and comfortable seating along the windows to allow for a more pleasant library experience.
We will have numerous quiet reading areas, quiet study areas and group study rooms which will allow patrons places to either a) talk with each other or b) be able to read book, magazines, newspapers, etc. in quiet.
I hear that you are putting in a café. Is this really necessary? Is Wolfgang Puck going to put in a restaurant?
When we say café, we mean a small area to include a few vending machines where someone can come in grab a cup of coffee and read a book. Modern libraries today all include what is essentially a coffee area. We will certainly look into having an outside group coming in to run the café (whether a special needs organization or commercial vendor) but the key point is we want to keep people in the library as long as we can. We have many patrons who come here whether they are studying for graduate exams, civil service tests, or simply coming to read and they who spend a long time here. We want to make it as comfortable for them as possible. No panini bar, no sushi bar and we do not believe Wolfgang Puck will be here (however, we would be happy to invite him.)
What is a demonstration kitchen?
The most requested programs in libraries, and certainly in ours, are cooking classes. We currently run modified cooking classes for children, teens, special need teens, and adults. We do not have the facility to run a true cooking class, which would include baking, cooking, etc. In the plans there is a room designed for the arts and crafts programs, which can be messy, as well as a demonstration kitchen. Everything in the room (floors, walls, furniture, etc.) will be designed for easy cleaning, including a floor drain to allow for heavy cleaning at times. The room will be properly vented and thus will allow us to offer true cooking and nutrition classes for all.
What is a STEM-MakerSpace Room (Science Technology Engineering Math)?
We have a number of tech programs for children, teens, and adults that currently have no home. For example, we have a 3D Printer, robots, additional computers, professional video equipment, and more. These items are used for tech programming, which is essentially run out of carts. This requires much staff time to be dedicated to carting these items around, setting them up, and breaking them down, which is a considerable amount of time that could be better spent.
In the plans, there is a room dedicated solely to tech. What type of tech? Any kind of tech. Currently, we anticipate putting in: a green screen so that our teens and even our adults can create videos; sound equipment so we can do podcasts; large printing apparatus that the public can use to make flyers and posters; and other equipment that would be available for public use.
What upgraded furniture are you looking to add?
Our furniture, while in decent shape, is 20+ years old. Modern library furniture provides for charging stations, is more comfortable, and is designed to be easily cleaned and sanitized. There is also some alternative furniture—ADA compliant, Special Needs accommodated, size accommodated—we believe we should have on premises.
Will you still have a large circulation desk like you do now?
No. The new plans will provide for a Welcome Desk and self-check-out kiosks throughout the library. For instance, a patron in the Children’s Room will be able to check-out there, pack up, and not have to worry about their children leaving the front door while checking out at the front circulation desk. The Welcome Desk will handle museum passes, program registration, special materials, and other patron-relations duties.
Why are you putting the Children’s Room on the second floor?
There are several important reasons behind this decision.
First, we want as much separation between adults and children as possible. By putting the Children’s Room and Young Adult Areas on the second floor, we can better monitor “unattended adults” and limit the interaction between children and non-related adults. Currently we have an area by the copy machine and bathrooms that is shared jointly by adults and children. We believe it would be safer to have the separation.
Second, we believe that by putting the Children’s Room on the second floor we significantly cut down on the likelihood of a child exiting the building unaccompanied. The automatic front doors currently at the front of the building have raised this concern.
Finally, this will allow for more space. Since we will be adding lower stacks to the Children’s Room for improved sightlines and ease of access for our youngest patrons, the result is an increased need for space for books and materials.
We have identified dozens of libraries on Long Island and across the country which have their childrens' area off the main floor. None report any issues. We have included two elevators in the plans to make sure that patrons with strollers and small children will have full access to the Childrens' Room on the second floor and the program/event space located on the lower level.
How are you improving the meeting rooms?
If you have been in our meeting rooms, you know there are poles in the middle of the rooms. The poles are not spaced equally and while we cannot do anything with the poles, as they are important to the structural integrity of the building, we can redesign the way the rooms are laid out. By redesigning the rooms around the support structures, we will be able to have more patron access without the poles interfering with sight lines and other spatial issues.
You have listed upgraded signage as an item. What is this?
Currently our signage is outdated. For instance, with the current stacks, permanent signage was put up with the Dewey Decimal Classification numbers for each row. As the collection has expanded or contracted those signs no longer reflect what is in those rows. In addition, we need better signage pointing towards bathrooms, and signage explaining how to use copy machines, etc. This is a very low-cost item, but it is included in the plans because it is something we believe can make for a better experience within the building. In addition, we will need exterior signage and an internal directional as you come into the building to advise where the various programs and materials can be located.
I saw a list about after-hours access. What is this about?
We have designed the building to allow patrons to come in the front door and immediately go downstairs to the event and program rooms, without access to the rest of the library. This will allow us to run study halls, concerts, movies, lectures, etc. both before and after normal library hours without having to add additional staff.
You have listed a redesigned back office area in the plans. What is that?
Currently our office staff is spread out in a disjointed way that does not allow for efficient workflow. The plans will provide for almost all of the staff to be located on the second floor and laid out in a way that makes sense given the way books are processed, the way our financial staff interacts, etc.
Did I see that you are adding a lactation room?
Yes, you did. We will have a lactation room available near the Children’s Room. We are committed to ensuring that we are able to provide a welcoming and accommodating environment for every patron.
FINANCES
How much is this going to cost?
The bond we are proposing is a maximum of $33,500,000. This will cost us, at most $1,800,000 per year. Actual costs will depend on the final design, contracts, and interest rate available. We have built in a substantial amount of “cushion” and are using a very high interest rate, just to be certain we have the funds to complete the project.
Currently the average household in Oceanside pays approximately $314.00 per year, this would be an increase of $140.00 per year ($11.66 per month per household) raising the household average to $454.00 per year.
Does this mean that we are paying the most taxes in Nassau County for libraries?
No. Currently we are 30th in per capita spending among the 54 libraries. That is, there are 29 libraries that are charging more per person than we are. If the bond passes we will rise to 15th in the County placing us between North Merrick and Roosevelt.
How did you arrive at $33,500,000?
We spoke with experts, principally our architect, who provided this as an estimate. We figured “high” on each item within the proposal; built in is at least $5,000,000 in contingency expenses.
In addition, we retained a bond consultant who provided us with the current interest rate, a “conservative” interest rate that may be payable a year from now when the bonds would be sold, and a very conservative interest rate, meaning that interest rates would have to go up very high for us to have to pay that high a number. We are using the highest number. We are doing this because we want to make sure that we can do those things we are telling people we are going to do.
Will we know how the money is spent?
We are going to put every contract and every check on-line so you can see where the money is going, who is getting paid and how much. See the tab above "Vendors & Payments". It will be updated regularly.
What happens if you do not spend all $33,500,000 dollars or if the interest rate comes in lower than very conservative number you are using?
If this project does not cost us the full $33,500,000 or if the interest rate is lower and we are able to borrow the money we need for less than the $1,800,000, all of the remaining funds are returned to the taxpayer in the form of tax abatement, or used to offset budgetary and/or long-term capital expense. That is, the taxpayer benefits from every penny included in this plan.
Who has been hired so far? How much has been spent so far?
If you click on the Vendors and Payment tab on this site, you will see everyone who has been hired, why they were hired, and a listing of all payments. This will be updated frequently throughout the project.
Contracts will also be available online for your review.
TIMELINE
What is the time frame for this project?
If the bond passes this May, we are told that obtaining approvals, etc. will take 6 to 9 months. We are building in some cushion time and are figuring a year for these processes. We are told the construction will take 12 to 16 months; we are assuming 2 years.
Will the Library be open during construction?
We will be renting space in town to provide full library services; we have included anticipated moving costs and rental expense in the proposal. We anticipate the space will be raw, fun, and maybe a little unconventional. But we anticipate having full library services.