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Middle Country Public Library
Location	Centereach and Selden, New York
Type	Public
Established	1957
Branches	2
Collection
Size	500,000
Access and use
Population served	65,000
Other information
Director	Sophia Serlis-McPhillips
Website	www.middlecountrypubliclibrary.org

The Middle Country Public Library is a public library in Suffolk County, New York that serves the approximately 60,000 residents of of the Middle Country Central School District. The largest library on Long Island, it serves the communities of Centereach and Selden, as well as portions of Lake Grove, Port Jefferson Station and Coram from 2 facilities with a total of 107,000 square feet.

In 2015, Middle Country was among the 30 finalists for the National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the nation’s highest honor given to museums and libraries that demonstrate extraordinary and innovative approaches to public service to make a difference for families and communities. Additionally, Library Journal has named Middle Country a "Five Star Library" every year since the periodical began awarding the designation, based on library visits, circulation, program attendance and public computer use, in 2009.

History

In the ten years between 1940 and 1950, the population of Selden doubled from 847 to 1743. By 1960, it would more than double again. The growth of neighboring Centereach was even more dramatic; from 628 in 1940 to 3100 in 1960 and 6,676 in 1970. For many civic-minded citizens, it was time for a community library. In March of 1957, The Mid Island News announced the forthcoming opening of the “long-awaited library serving the Centereach and Selden communities.” A library Board of Trustees was formed and Board President, Lucille Hough, began a door-to-door canvas to solicit books for the new facility. The former Nature’s Gardens clubhouse on Middle Country Road in Selden was acquired from area developer, O.L. Schwenke. A local carpenter began renovations and volunteers were requested to help catalog the books. The library was to be open 15 hours per week and managed by part-time librarian, Sadie Hallock, assisted by volunteers.

By 1961, the topic of the need for a new branch library appeared in the Board Minutes. Suggested sites were Jericho School or the former Centereach school. Neither proved possible. In 1963, when a new Centereach Post Office was built, the site of the former post office became available for rent. In June of 1963, a lease was signed for 8 Dawn Drive which would be available by year’s end. A “Stack the Shelves” drive suggested by Mr. Jones of Tinker National Bank announced that the bank would contribute $500 plus $2.00 for every new depositor over a stated period. In addition, Bernard Kaplan, Eastwood Village developer, pledged $500 to start the campaign.

Circulation figures for the library increased every year. In 1964, the first year both libraries were in operation, the circulation was 54,570. By 1967, it has risen to 176,145. In 1968, the name change to Middle Country Public Library reflected the consolidation of the school district. That same year, the Board hired Paul John Cirino as the Library Director. As the number of school age children surged and the school district became the fastest growing in the nation, the library kept pace to meet the needs of the increasing population. A search was begun for a suitable site of approximately 3 acres with a minimum frontage of 150 feet and close to the center of population and not more than ¼ mile from Middle Country Road. In 1971, ground was broken for a new building on the corner of Eastwood Blvd and School Street. The new 19,000 sq. ft. building, which was dedicated on January 30, 1972, would seat 180 readers, have sufficient shelf space for over 100,000 books as well as a community room for local organizations that could remain open after library hours.

Miller Business Resource Center

Located within the library, the Miller Center is a regional business center for businesses, independent entrepreneurs, not-for-profit organizations, and individuals. The Center offers access to extensive and specialized business resources as well as one-on-one business research and reference assistance. The goal of the Center is to support regional economic development by meeting the information and educational needs of the business community, promoting a literate and job-ready workforce, and providing employment information and career exploration opportunities. Throughout the year, the Center hosts many educational programs tailored to the needs of the business community. The Center sponsors networking and training events and works in partnership with Long Island business support organizations to provide greater public access to the information and services they offer.

Museum Corner

The Museum Corner is an interactive exhibit space located in the library's Centereach building. It features changing hands on exhibits and programs for children and their families.

Nature Explorium

The library's Nature Explorium is an outdoor learning space for children and families. Developed in collaboration with the Dimensions Educational Research Foundation and Long Island Nature Collaborative for Kids (LINCK), the Nature Explorium contains a variety of areas, all geared toward connecting children to a different aspect of nature.

External links

• www.middlecountrypubliclibrary.org
• www.familyplacelibraries.org/
• www.millerbusinesscenter.org/
• www.211longisland.org/
• www.natureexplorium.org/