Mastic Beach Library to Continue Serving Community

The Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Community Library is moving forward with plans to transition its Mastic Beach branch on Neighborhood Road into a center for scheduled educational programs and community activities while maintaining access to library materials and other essential services.

The facility will continue providing numerous services, including access to books and other materials, even as it transitions from a traditional lending library to a center for scheduled educational programs and community activities, according to library officials.

Board of Trustees President Joseph A. Maiorana said the changes are intended to maintain the branch’s educational mission while addressing ongoing safety concerns and declining patron visits.

“We are not abandoning Mastic Beach,” Maiorana stressed. “We remain committed to its future and to working with all levels of government to improve the quality of life throughout the Tri-Hamlet community.”

Under the plan unanimously approved by the trustees, the building will close temporarily December 24 and reopen March 1, 2027.

Maiorana emphasized that residents will still be able to borrow and return library materials at the annex. Exterior pickup lockers providing 24-hour access to requested books, media, and other materials will remain operational throughout the transition, along with the outdoor book return.

Following the reopening, library officials said the branch will offer adult literacy and citizenship classes, technology instruction, educational workshops, homework assistance, and activities for children and adults.

Computers will remain available for participants in scheduled programs, although unrestricted walk-in access, browsing, general study space, and public computer use will be discontinued under the new arrangement.

Library officials stressed that advance registration requirements will not automatically exclude residents who arrive without signing up. Same-day registration will be accommodated when space permits, including for students seeking homework assistance.

Traditional library services will remain available at the Main Library in Shirley and the Moriches Branch, supplemented by digital resources and homebound delivery.

Maiorana reported that traditional library usage had declined nearly 39% over 27 months, a factor trustees considered along with repeated security concerns around the Neighborhood Road facility.

During an October Pattersquash Creek Civic Association meeting, residents voiced concerns over loitering and drug use in the area.

County Executive Edward Romaine and Brookhaven Supervisor Dan Panico recently announced plans for an expanded law enforcement presence, including a police substation across from the library and additional Neighborhood Road patrols.

Library officials welcomed the development but said sustained improvements in neighborhood safety will be necessary before reconsidering traditional lending operations.

According to Maiorana, the trustees intend to consult regularly with Suffolk County Police Seventh Precinct representatives about reported incidents, crime trends, and security conditions.

The library also disputed suggestions that it has refused to cooperate with police on trespassing complaints, explaining that written ban notices and supporting documentation have been provided when circumstances permit.

Officials said planned interior modifications will be minor and reversible, allowing the building to resume traditional operations should conditions improve.

The branch currently operates Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. For information, visit communitylibrary.org or call 631-399-1511.