The flexible space will include dedicated areas for children, teens, and adults. All furniture and shelving will have wheels so they can be moved to rearrange space as needed. The adult area will offer seating for individual quiet work, computers, and conference rooms. The children and teen area will have a large number of tables and chairs for students to do homework or study. There will be several computers to use. A small meeting room will be dedicated for children and teen use and can be adjusted in size with moveable walls.

A special feature of the Mastic Beach Satellite Branch is an outdoor area with possible use for children’s programming. A small fenced-in area will be used for seasonal story times, active programs, and nature programs, enriching the library experience for families.

Also, thanks to the efforts of County Legislator Rudy Sunderman, the library was able to secure a long-term 30-year lease (with a provision for two 10-year extensions) for a small parcel of land directly across the street from the Mastic Beach Satellite Branch at just $10 a year. The lot has two abandoned eye-sore structures that will be removed by the library. We will also clear and grade the property as well as fence and secure it for outdoor community programs and activities such as seasonal outdoor performances, concerts, children’s activities, and other programs could be held. It would also be a place to enjoy reading, free Wi-Fi, or a leisurely stroll in nice weather. For an example of how one Long Island library uses an acre-sized lot, see Sachem Public Library’s Inside/Out Garden .