A total of nine bids were submitted for the Center Moriches Free Public Library parking lot expansion project, which were opened on Sept. 5. The library has since awarded the bid in the amount of $538,500 to Gatz Sitework and Landscape Construction Inc.

According to the project superintendent Thomas R. Sullivan, of Park East Construction, the construction management firm, they do not yet have a full schedule but are expecting completion sometime in late November/early December, with work beginning this month (October).

The project comes in response to an increase in community members utilizing the public library.

“We have experienced many occasions where parking has been insufficient,” said library director Marcie Litjens. “We look forward to completing this project with little disruption to library services and enhancing accessibility and convenience for our library patrons.”

Back in February, the library board worked with their architect, John Tanzi, to complete the design of the new area.

The new area is projected to include 55 additional spots, including more handicapped parking. The new design will also widen the existing stalls and create a pathway to walk through the lot.  

“Many factors were considered beyond traffic flow and safety, including fencing, landscaping, and special lighting to reduce light pollution at night,” said Litjens.

Last year, the Friends of the Center Moriches Free Public Library provided financial support to help the library purchase a piece of land adjacent to the building, located at 235 Montauk Highway. The land is located near the existing lot in the rear to be used to expand the parking lot.

The club, according to members, collects donated books eight months out of the year in an effort to sort and amass enough books for their sales. All funds raised support the purchase of equipment, furniture, and programs. This funding also made the property purchase possible. 

“People don’t know what to do with them [old books], and, for years, I hated when people would throw them away. So, we collect them,” member Kathy Kleinpeter said of the idea behind the book sales.

The land was officially acquired last year by the Friends of The Library. The current budget for the lot is $700,000, which will include the new lot and redesigning the existing one.

Additionally, Litjens said, the library was also awarded a NYS Construction Aid Grant of $225,000. The land for the parking area was acquired last year, and the Friends of the Library generously donated money towards the purchase. 

“Careful budgeting has allowed the library to proceed with this project without asking the public for a bond,” Litjens explained, noting the zero cost to the taxpayer. “The need for a larger parking lot has been necessitated due to an increase in the community using the services of the library.”