The library shared a joyous video Thursday, July 9 with its bull mascot running and dancing through the newly reopened stacks.
“The lower level will initially offer limited services while we continue to complete the remaining work and finalize the setup of several areas; we are still very much a work in progress but we are happy to finally share the space with you!” the library wrote on social media.
Floodwaters rampaged through the library on Aug. 19, 2024, as a downpour battered Long Island’s north shore. Dramatic video showed the basement floor slowly pooling with water, before the flood smashed through an interior wall and destabilized the ceiling.
The basement held 21,000 audio/visual materials, including CDs and DVDs, along with historical artifacts from Long Island and Smithtown history, according to Newsday. In all, the flood caused $21.5 million in damage to the library.
“This marks an exciting milestone in our restoration project and would not have been possible without the patience, flexibility and dedication of our staff and the public,” the library wrote Thursday.
Click here to follow Daily Voice and receive free news updates.
