Now that the community has voted to approve the bond for the new building, we have been receiving inquiries about when construction will begin and what the temporary location will be. While we do not have those details yet, we will be meeting with the architects in the coming weeks to discuss our next steps. Updates will be posted on the New Building page of our website, so please check back soon. We promise to keep you informed as progress continues. https://plainedgelibrary.org/new-building-project/
A bond project is a capital construction plan that is focused on completing larger-scale, long-term projects. When approved by voters, a bond provides immediate funds for long-term capital projects aimed at addressing critical infrastructural, safety and security needs. Unlike the library’s annual budget, a bond is financed over a longer period – typically financing occurs on average of 15-30 years.
In recent years, it has become increasingly clear that the current library, which dates to 1968, no longer meets the needs of its patrons. While the library staff have remained steadfast in its efforts to keep up with the evolution of what libraries have become today, the physical building has continued to struggle with mounting challenges in the form of structural issues, operational concerns and more. These include spaces not meeting current codes, inadequate handicap accessibility, leaks that impact structural integrity and aging building systems that are nearing the end of their useful lifespan and need complete replacement.
Following a thorough discussion and collaborative planning process, the Plainedge Library Board of Trustees has chosen to put forth a $16.9 million bond resolution to support the construction of a new library for the community. The district will be offsetting additional costs associated with the construction project through a $3 million allocation from capital reserves based on investment savings.
The cost to a typical household will be $125 per year, or approximately $10.41 per month.
This estimate is based on the full project budget as outlined:
- Total project budget: $19,865,795
- Less funds from library’s capital account: -$3,000,000
- Total amount financed via bond: $16,865,795
The calculation assumes a rate of 5.25% over a 30-year term, with an average home assessment of 348.
With the growing demand for accessible resources and spaces for learning, collaboration and community engagement, an approved bond would help build a new, modern, state-of-the-art library that will serve as a hub of endless possibilities for all ages. The new library would feature something for all our patrons, including a larger children’s space, a dedicated children’s program room, a young adult library space, adult services areas, quiet study rooms, a dedicated reference desk, reading areas/lounge settings, meeting areas of different sizes (large spaces that can be divided to accommodate multiple meetings and smaller spaces for smaller gatherings), a hub for exploratory learning, as well as an educational learning center and an outdoor courtyard for programs and events.
The bond was developed in collaboration with community feedback and a thorough assessment of the current needs and challenges of the current facility. Consultation with professional architects and financial advisors was also integral to the bond development process.
The scope of the new bond project reflects a significant reduction in cost since the 2023 proposed bond. Nearly 6 million has been reduced since that time. In addition, the new proposed library building has been redesigned to meet the aesthetic look of our setting in the community. The updated design has the building set back further from the street line and lowered to consider our beautiful neighborhood setting.
No. There are no anticipated or planned changes to the staffing levels currently in place nor are there any anticipated increases to operational costs. In fact, as the new library will feature several environmental efficiencies and green spaces, it is likely that the overall operating costs to run the new library will be lower than the current facility.
During the construction phase, the library will move to a temporary (local) location so we can continue to offer services. The Board of Trustees has made a commitment to continue library programs and services in this temporary facility.
The entire process may take 2 ½ to 3 years from the date of approval of the bond to the day we walk in the door of the new library. The first part of this process will take 10 – 12 months to create the construction documents (drawings and specifications) and obtain all required approvals. Once all of the approvals are obtained, the library will proceed to bid the work publicly and enter into the construction phase. This phase is estimated to take 14 – 16 months.
No. These funds are specifically allocated for the capital work as outlined and cannot be used to support the library’s general operating budget or other initiatives.
Based upon current estimates the cost to completely renovate our current 19,950 square foot building would be just over 13 million dollars. In order to address our accessibility and structural issues the square footage of the building would have to be significantly reduced.
Without full renovation the library will need to create a comprehensive plan to address the key infrastructure needs like HVAC, mechanical issues and structural issues, and prioritize the most critical repairs.
A full list of the proposed projects is on the library’s website. All residents are encouraged to join us for upcoming workshops and presentations. These include the following:
Open House: Saturday, September 27, 2025 at 11 a.m.
Forum: Tuesday, September 9, 2025 at 7 p.m.
The bond vote is scheduled to take place on Oct. 7. Polls will be open from 9:00 a.m.- 8:00 pm. At the Plainedge Public Library.
NOTICE OF SPECIAL DISTRICT MEETING AT SINGLE VOTING LOCATION,
REGISTRATION OF VOTERS AND AVAILABILITY OF EARLY MAIL AND ABSENTEE BALLOTS
Plainedge Union Free School District,
Nassau County, New York
On behalf of
Plainedge Public Library,
Nassau County, New York
The Board of Education of the Plainedge Union Free School District and the Board of Trustees of the Plainedge Public Library, Nassau County, New York HEREBY GIVE NOTICE that a special district meeting of the qualified voters of Plainedge Union Free School District, Nassau County, New York, will be held at the Plainedge Public Library, 1060 Hicksville Road, in North Massapequa, New York, for voters residing in all election districts of said School District, on October 7, 2025, at 9:00 o’clock A.M. Prevailing Time and the polls will be kept open between the hours of 9:00 o’clock A.M. and 8:00 o’clock P.M., Prevailing Time, for the purpose of voting upon the following proposition:
PLAINEDGE PUBLIC LIBRARY PROPOSITION
Shall the following resolution be adopted, to wit:
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Plainedge Public Library is hereby authorized to demolish the existing library building and construct a new library building operated by said Board of Trustees, with the principal address of 1060 Hicksville Road, in North Massapequa, New York, including original furnishings, equipment, machinery, apparatus, appurtenances, site work and other improvements and expenses in connection therewith, at a maximum estimated cost of $19,865,795, with a $3,000,000 portion to be paid with capital reserve fund monies and, as to the remaining $16,865,795 portion thereof, that the Board of Education of Plainedge Union Free School District is hereby authorized to issue obligations in the amount of $16,865,795 (together with renewals thereof) or as much thereof as may be necessary therefor and for which said School District is hereby authorized to raise by the levy of a tax upon the taxable real property of said School District and collected in annual installments as provided in Section 416 of the Education Law, such amount as is necessary annually to pay principal, interest and premium, if any, on such obligations, and the library tax shall be raised, but in no event in an annual amount greater than $1,400,000 to pay such debt service.
Said proposition may appear on the voting machines in abbreviated form due to space constraints; if so, the full text of the proposition will be posted at the voting site.
A copy of the full text of the proposition referred to and preliminary plans regarding the project described in said proposition is on file in the office of the Board of Trustees of the Plainedge Library District at 1060 Hicksville Road and the offices of the Plainedge Union Free School District Clerk, located at 241 Wyngate Drive, each in North Massapequa, New York, where the same is available for inspection by any interested person during regular business hours.
Voting at said special district meeting will be by the use of voting machines.
The sole polling place where such special district meeting will be held is at the Plainedge Public Library, 1060 Hicksville Road, in North Massapequa, New York.
SEQRA DETERMINATION. NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the aforesaid project has been determined to be an Unlisted Action pursuant to the regulations of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation promulgated pursuant to the State Environmental Quality Review Act (“SEQRA”), the implementation of which as proposed, the Board of Trustees of the Plainedge Public Library has determined, as lead agency, will not result in any significant adverse environmental impacts. Full SEQRA documentation is available at the office of the Board of Trustees of the Plainedge Public Library at 1060 Hicksville Road, in North Massapequa, New York, during normal office hours.
NOTICE OF REGISTRATION. NOTICE IS HEREBY FURTHER GIVEN that, pursuant to Section 2014 of the Education Law, personal registration of voters is required, and no person shall be entitled to vote at said meeting whose name does not appear on the register of said School District, or who does not register as hereinafter provided, except a person who is otherwise qualified to vote and is registered under the provisions of Article 5 of the Election Law. Voters registered for general elections under said Article 5 are eligible to vote at the October 7, 2025, special district meeting without further registration. The Board of Registration shall prepare a register for said special district meeting, except that the register prepared at the last annual meeting or election shall be used as the basis therefor, and shall include all persons who shall have presented themselves personally for registration and shall also include all persons who shall have been previously registered for any annual or special district meeting or election and who shall have voted at any annual or special district meeting or election held or conducted at any time within four calendar years prior to the preparation of said register.
NOTICE OF REGISTRATION. NOTICE IS HEREBY FURTHER GIVEN that Personal Registration for the special district meeting will be accepted at the Office of the Plainedge School District Clerk, at 241 Wyngate Drive, in North Massapequa, New York, throughout the year (except for the five (5) days preceding the special district meeting), between the hours of 9:00 A.M., and 3:30 P.M. on days when school is in session, and any person shall be entitled to have his or her name placed upon such register, provided that he or she is known or proven to the satisfaction of such Board of Registration, to be then or thereafter entitled to vote at said special district meeting to be held on October 7, 2025. The last day of registration before the special district meeting on October 7, 2025, will be Wednesday, October 1, 2025. Said register will be filed in the office of the Plainedge School District Clerk, in said School District and will be open for inspection by any qualified voter on each of the five days prior to the day set for the special district meeting, between the hours of 9:00 o’clock A.M. and 3:30 o’clock P.M., Prevailing Time, except Saturday October 4, 2025 and Sunday, October 5, 2025 which days will be by appointment. The register will also be available for inspection on the date of the special district meeting at the polling place.
EARLY MAIL BALLOTS AND ABSENTEE BALLOTS. NOTICE IS HEREBY FURTHER GIVEN that applications for early mail ballots and absentee ballots may be applied for at the Office of the Plainedge School District Clerk, 241 Wyngate Drive, in North Massapequa, New York. Such applications must be received by the District Clerk no earlier than thirty (30) days before the special district meeting. Furthermore, such application must be received by said School District Clerk at least seven days prior to the special district meeting, if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, or on the date prior to the special district meeting, if the ballot is to be personally obtained by the voter of his/her designated agent. Upon receiving a timely request for a mailed absentee ballot or early mail ballot, the District Clerk will mail the ballot to the address set forth in the application by no later than six (6) days before the special district meeting. Completed early mail ballots and absentee ballots must be received by said School District Clerk not later than 5:00 P.M., Prevailing Time, on October 7, 2025, the date of the special district meeting. A list of all persons to whom early mail ballots and absentee ballots shall have been issued will be available in the Office of the School District Clerk on each of the five days prior to the day of the special district meeting, except Saturday, October 4, 2025 and Sunday, October 5, 2025 which days will be by appointment, and such list shall also be posted at the voting place during the special district meeting, and any qualified voter may challenge the acceptance of the ballot of any person on such list, by making his challenge and the reasons therefor known to the Inspectors of Election before the close of the polls.
Military Ballots: Military voters who are not currently registered may apply to register as a qualified voter of the School District. Military voters who are qualified voters of the school district may submit an application for a military ballot. Military voters may designate a preference to receive a military voter registration, military ballot application or military ballot by mail, facsimile transmission or electronic mail in their request for such registration, ballot application or ballot. Military voter registration forms and military ballot application forms must be received in the office of the District Clerk of the School District no later than 5:00 P.M. on September 11, 2025. No military ballot will be canvassed unless it is (1) received in the office of the District Clerk before close of the polls at the special district meeting and showing a cancellation mark of the United States postal service or a foreign county’s postal service, or showing a dated endorsement of receipt of another agency of the United States government; or (2) received by the office of the District Clerk by no later than 5:00 P.M. on the date of the special district meeting and signed and dated by the military voter and one witness thereto, with a date which is associated to be not later than the day before the special district meeting.
The vote will be held at the Plainedge Public Library, 1060 Hicksville Road, N. Massapequa, NY 11758 from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 7, 2025.
VOTER ELIGIBILITY & REGISTRATION
If you are registered to vote with the Nassau County Board of Elections or with the school district, you are eligible to vote.
Residents may register any school day until October 1, 2025 9:00 AM-3:30 PM at the Central Administration Office, located at 241 Wyngate Drive, North Massapequa.
In order to vote, a person must be: a citizen of the United States, 18 years or older, a resident of the district for 30 days prior to voting, a registered voter in either the school district, state, or national elections.
ABSENTEE BALLOTS
The submission of absentee ballot applications must be received by the District Clerk seven days before the election if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter (October 2, 2025) or the day before the election if the ballot is to be issued to the voter in person (October 6, 2025).
For further information, call the District Clerk’s
Office at (516) 992-7450
Do you have a question about the proposed building?
Contact the Library at:
projectplainedge@plainedgelibrary.org
Phone: (516) 735-4210
