Montauk Library Pitches $7.5 Million Expansion

The Montauk Library is preparing for its first expansion and renovation since construction of its current building in 1991.

The $7.5 million project would give the library another 5,000 square feet of space, but increase its footprint by less than 1,600 square feet. The rest would be gained by filling in parts of the double-height interior areas. An approximately 1,150-square foot one-story addition, with a basement, is planned for the east side of the building and would include a new entry that would also house a "local history and fishermen's center" with gallery space. The library plans to triple the space allocated for children, to create a new area for teens, and to reorganize its mezzanine level to include a cafe counter, an outside terrace with an ocean view, and a quiet study area.

At the basement level, the library be able to expand its archival space, add a meeting room, bathrooms, and increase storage area.

The library would float a 20-year bond for the project, with a bond vote to take place at the Montauk School on May 21 from 2 to 8 p.m., the same day as the school budget vote and board elections. Bond service is expected to cost the average taxpayer about $6.67 a month, or just over $80 a year, according to a release from the library.

Library officials will discuss the proposal with the community and take public input at meetings on March 17 at 1 p.m., March 18 at 6 p.m., April 27 at 1 p.m., May 1 at noon, May 7 at 3:30 p.m., and May 15 at 10 a.m.