Saturday, June 21, 2025
Plans for a roof replacement at the Franklin Square Public Library are underway, according to Library Director Aviva Kane.
While still in the early stages of securing a grant to fund the project, Kane said the library is actively working on a solution to address ongoing issues caused by the roof's deterioration.
Kane, who has served as director since April 2020, explained that perforations in the roof—caused by solar panels installed before her tenure and since removed—are leading to leaks inside the building. She described the roof as a “maze” due to the extensive ductwork and HVAC units that cover its entire surface.
Following the passage of a federal funding bill in April that excluded $111 million requested by Long Island’s House members, Kane expressed disappointment. She emphasized that she does not want to shift the $3 million cost of replacing the roof onto taxpayers.
For that reason, she said, she is working with Representative Laura Gillen to secure grant funding from other sources.
Kane invited Franklin Square residents to attend a public hearing at the library in July—specific details to be announced—to discuss the condition of the roof. She stressed the importance of public awareness regarding the urgency of the situation and the need for funding.
“We can show the Franklin Square community,” Kane said, “which is such a solid, hardworking community, that we're being incredibly responsible to them and desperately trying to find funding wherever we can.”
