Updates

In Fall 2019, a construction grant in the amount of $282,170 was approved by the New York State Department of Education. On Wednesday, October 21, New York State Assemblyman Steve Stern stopped by to present a check to the Half Hollow Hills Community Library (HHHCL). This generous grant will off-set costs for the I/A Sanitation System required by Suffolk County. An I/A Sanitation System protects Long Island drinking water from contamination and keeps our natural aquifers safe. The HHCL is one of the few public libraries in Suffolk County with this system.

Progress!

• The steel framing is finished.
• Concrete floor slabs are poured
• The temporary power is ON!
• The stone wall for the Children’s garden is now visible.
• COVID-19 related delays are expected. Look for an opening day 2Q, 2021.

The Half Hollow Hills Community Library (HHHCL) has erected the highest point of the steel framework of its new library. In commemoration, ironworkers have hung an American flag in a “topping out” ceremony. This ceremony is an age-old tradition and a common expression of pride by the workers.

Helen Crosson, Library Director, addressing the workers, states: “I am so grateful for you here today, because without all of you, this beautiful project doesn’t happen.”

Construction resumes! Underground duct work continues after NY Pause due to COVID-19. The steel delivery date is set. Look for a crane and ironworkers very soon.

The Covid-19 virus has impacted our personal and professional lives in so many ways. With Governor Cuomo’s Executive Order 202.13 adopted March 29, 2020, our construction project is also impacted. Our Library Trustees voted to stop construction in order to comply with this Executive Order.

Prior to this Executive Order, the steel fabrication company had already shut down and therefore delays can be expected once this virus dissipates and businesses can reopen.

Underground work continues:

• Duct work for electrical
• Sanitary
• Heating and cooling

Structural steel is being fabricated. Exterior lighting including exterior electrical outlets are planned for events. Planning for technology, security and sound continue with staff input.

As time progresses, details of your new library are revealed. Neither snow, rain, sleet or wind will keep our builders from their work. Footing and foundation work continues and necessary retaining walls are built.

We worked with the architect to confirm that our beautiful piano can be housed on the stage in the lecture room or be stored when an event requires the use of the entire stage. Small details like this, will greatly impact our day-to-day operation in your new library building.

Work on footings and foundation walls continue. Electricity has returned. Slab on grade pours for Children Department and the Lecture Room on the Lowest Level will begin soon. Can you pour concrete in the cold? YES! With a combination of ingredients and thermal blankets, we can expect to continue to pour concrete in to the cold season.  Calgi is our daily owner’s representative overseeing the construction of our new public library.

Footings…foundation walls…the progress continues. Cement is continually being poured. Applications for electrical and permits have been submitted. Trailers for electrical engineer, HVAC and our owner’s rep, CALGI are on site.

Ready to set footings for foundation walls.

Trucks of dirt arrive multiple times throughout the day delivering good soil for the project.

Installation of underground drainage systems is underway.​

In the next month, the Board of Trustees will work with the architect to finalize the exterior brick and stone colors for the new building.

The construction trailers have arrived. Site preparations continue.

There will be a handful of trees removed around the site. Once construction is complete, the project includes the planting of more than 20 mature trees.

More than 50 years ago, the forward-thinking trustees of your library approved the installation of a GeoCool system to greatly reduce the expense of air-conditioning. That system still functions today and will be utilized to full capacity in your new library. Over the last several months we have been busy maintaining, expanding and repairing it. The wheels of progress continue to turn and soon the underground work will be completed and the above ground work can begin.  Thank you.

Presentation to the The Concerned Fathers Association