Ten years after the construction of a new Landmark Library, H2M renovated the Library’s interior after the Library received a $1,300,000 donation from a patron. Located within a mile of the Atlantic Ocean, Westhampton Free Library has been located on Library Avenue in Westhampton Beach for more than 100 years. The original historic building, built in 1906, was a one-story wood-framed structure with a locust-post foundation sitting over the 100-year floodplain. Over the years, the Library had been expanded five times to accommodate its expanding book collection and popular children’s programs. In 2005, the Library acquired an abandoned hardware store adjacent to the Library for programs and additional activity space.
By 2006 it had become more than obvious that further growth could best be served by the construction of an entirely new library. A new library was designed to incorporate the same stylistic language and blend in with its quaint coastal location. The building was the first public library on Long Island to receive LEED Gold Certification. It was also named an honorable mention in the 2011 New Landmark Libraries project conducted by “Library Journal.”
In 2016, the Library received a $1,300,000 donation from a patron who specifically earmarked the fund for capital improvements. With the help of Suffolk County Legislator Schneiderman, the Library obtained Pine Barrens developmental right credits allowing the Library to convert the existing second floor storage attic into library space.
H2M renovated the existing interiors and utilized the additional 2,500 square feet of usable space. Following a series of design charrettes, a direction was proposed. The second floor renovation was to house the relocated Teen Area, a larger Craft Room, and new staff offices for the Young Adults and Children Departments. The first floor renovation included the relocation of the Media Collection to the former Young Adult space with a new enclosed Group Study room, a new Business Center, Quiet Study Room, lounge seating with new gas fireplace, and reconfiguration of existing staff areas.
