By Scott Brinton
On this day, the library's "Quiet, please" policy clearly did not apply. But, after all, it was a celebration.
The Merrick Library held its grand opening in high style last Sunday, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony to formally christen the new 27,000-square-foot structure.
Walter Mintz, the library board president, said the Merrick Library is more than a building to house books. "It's a place by the people and for the people," he said. Merrick's commitment to erecting this new facility shows "the community still really wants a place to gain knowledge," Mintz noted.
The board president looked back at the library's storied past. The Merrick Library, he said, began in a hayloft, and was originally run by five volunteers. The library was formally dedicated in 1897, in the quaint, wood-frame structure that still stands a block south of the current building, and is now known as the Library Annex.
Merrick's original library started with 1,048 books and served 800 patrons. It was heated by a potbelly stove. The second library was constructed in 1962, and served roughly 9,000 people. By contrast, the new library, whose architecture mixes classic and modern building elements, serves 18,000 residents.
"This building has something for everyone," Mintz said, noting that it's hard-wired for 21st-century technology. It even features wireless Internet access.
Erecting the library was fraught with adversity, including a major fire that gutted the Library Annex, which was serving as the library's temporary home during construction, Mintz said. But, he noted, the community and library board pulled together and got the job done. "We have an exceptional board that always found ways to reach consensus," he said.
Ellen Firer, the library director, called the board a "group of visionaries," saying "the community owes you a debt of gratitude." Mintz heaped praise on Firer and presented her with a big bouquet of flowers for having overseen the library's day-to-day operations during construction. He also cited former board trustee and current Merrick school board member Lou Kruh for his part in helping to plan the new facility.
State Sen. Charles Fuschillo Jr. of Merrick received praise for his ongoing support for the library. Fuschillo, who secured a book drop at the Long Island Rail Road station during construction, thanked Mintz for his dedication to the library and his leadership. Speaking to Mintz, Fuschillo said, "You have a vision, not just for this community, but for future generations."
Assemblyman David McDonough of North Merrick said the new library "is absolutely beautiful. I salute you, Walter Mintz."
Nassau County Legislator David Denenberg of Merrick presented a plaque to the board marking Dec. 4, 2005, as Merrick Library Day in Nassau County. The library's opening, he said, represents "a great day for the community."
Town of Hempstead Clerk Mark Bonilla and Councilwoman Angie Cullin, representing the town, offered a citation to the library board as well.
Every 15 minutes on Sunday, tours of the new building were offered. Works of art by the Kennedy High School Advanced Placement art class were featured in the multipurpose room. There were also performances by the MSM Wind Trio, the Merrick Avenue Middle School Word of Mouth Choir and the DaCapo Chorale.
Ilene Dixel, Kiwanis Club president, and Lawrence Garfinkel, president of the Historical Society of the Merricks, recited the Pledge of Allegiance to open the day's festivities.
Comments about this story? SBrinton@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 203.
