In January of 1913, the newly formed West Hempstead Union Free School District #27 opened its first school.

One hundred years ago, the Chestnut Street School was a four room schoolhouse, serving 86 students. Since those days, the building has had numerous additions, been closed and boarded up and served as the West Hempstead Public Library. In this its 100th anniversary, it serves as a school administration building, a kindergarten center and a home to the Historical Society Archives.

Through March, the Historical Society display at the library will feature the “History of Chestnut