Long Island readers embark on new story as lower level of Smithtown Library reopens after renovation
SMITHTOWN, Long Island (WABC) -- A big treat is in store for readers on Long Island.
The newly renovated lower level of the Smithtown Library reopened Thursday morning, nearly two years after flooding damaged the building.
The facility's lower level was devastated by floodwaters during a storm in August 2024.
Surveillance video captured the disturbing progression of the flooding.
Waves of water took out walls and shelves of books. The elevator was also out of commission.
Undeterred, the Smithtown Library embarked on a massive restoration, and while some work is still being finished, patrons are being welcomed back to enjoy the library again.
Fiona Booth and her little sister, Avery, were very worried about what would happen to their precious library. After all, this space was closed for a third of Avery's life.
"I think this costs like a lot of money to rebuild. They probably did a lot of fundraisers," Fiona said.
It was $20 million to be more exact, which came mostly from FEMA and New York State Homeland Security.
Historical documents, such as a presidential letter signed by Thomas Jefferson, are now being restored alongside other historical pieces at a facility in Michigan.
"We are going to be storing them in specialized shelving display cabinets on the main floor and on the mezzanine floor as well," said Smithtown Library Director Rob Lusak.
Assistant library director Eileen Caulfield also showed Eyewitness News that the new windows were built entirely differently to withstand the force.
This was never going to be a simple repair of the library building. It's because the whole parking lot needed to be reconfigured. The number of storm drains doubled, and a huge generator is now installed out back.
Nearly two years later, podcast rooms, music CDs and DVDs are all back, and so are all the beloved books.
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