N. Merrick Library gears up for April 11 vote

North Merrick Public Library officials will hold a public meeting on Sunday, March 6, at 2 p.m. in the library’s community room to discuss renovation and expansion plans.

Library trustees, architects and construction experts will be available to respond to questions about the planned renovations, which, if approved in a public vote, will total $6.5 million. The vote will take place April 11.

The plan includes replacement of worn-out building systems with energy-efficient heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and lighting systems, insulated windows and solar panels. According to calculations done by the library, at current utility costs, the annual energy savings from the upgraded systems is estimated at about $12,000.

The plan also includes the addition of a community room and construction of two other program rooms, using existing space. “Library use is way up. Circulation increased by 9 percent in the last year,“ said library Director Tom Witt. “It’s important for the library to respond to the needs of the community, and the proposed renovation project will address those needs.”

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