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  • Hours

    SUN: 12:00PM-5:00PM

    MON-THU: 9:00AM-8:30PM

    FRI: 9:00AM-6:00PM

    SAT: 9:00AM-5:00PM

  • 631-878-0940

    235 Main Street
    Center Moriches, NY 11934

  • (Searches this website, not our catalog)

Long Range Plan for Fiscal Years 2021-2025

Mission Statement

The Center Moriches Free Public Library provides services, programs and materials that enrich people’s lives, foster a love of reading and provide access to information. These services may be provided by our own resources, by networking with other libraries, and by contracting with professional speakers and educators as well as providing gateway access to the world of information resources beyond our walls. The Library advocates for access to the world of ideas and information unrestricted by fees, censorship, language, or barriers to the disabled.

Library History

The Center Moriches Free Public Library was started in 1921 in a room over the Truck House (the site of the present-day Fire House). It was moved to the Goldsmith Building in 1923, to the Women’s Club Building in 1930, and in September of 1957 to the building at 529 Main Street (now used by the School for office space).

As the library began to outgrow these quarters, the Board of Trustees decided to buy property for a new building. In a public-spirited move, the money to buy the property (2.2 acres located on the north side of Main Street between Railroad Avenue and Hawkins Avenue) was purchased on January 18, 1981.

The new Library building’s construction, under the directorship of C. Gerard Donnelly, was completed in 1988. In 2013 a major expansion, under the directorship of Nan Peel, was completed. In 2021 the Library Board anticipates the construction and expansion of approximately 600 square feet under the canopy in the Southwest corner to construct a café that will be leased to a food service vendor.

The Library serves the Center Moriches Union Free School District, consisting of a population of over 7,000 residents. The Library additionally serves residents of three other school districts (East Moriches, Eastport-South Manor, and Remsenberg-Speonk) that contract annually for library service through the Suffolk Cooperative Library System. Contract fees are received annually from these districts for the operation of the Library.

The Library is open seven days per week, year-round, serving the educational and recreational interests of our patrons.

The Library’s catalog and most of its databases are available through the Internet to homes, businesses, and schools throughout the areas we serve. Patrons may request items from other libraries either directly, through our website, or by making a request to the Reference Desk. Patrons also have access to an increasing collection of downloadable eBooks, audiobooks, and music directly from home. The Library further enriches the communities we serve with lectures, concerts, story hours, crafts for hobbyists, genealogical research resources and assistance, reading clubs for adults/teens/children, and other Library programs.

Goals and Objectives

To continue to establish and maintain a collection of current and relevant books and materials, in a variety of formats, to meet the informational and recreational needs of the community. While the open Internet is a wonderful resource, the Library needs to be in the forefront in providing the public with reliable, authenticated sources of information. For these reasons, the Library is aware of, and is adapting our collection development to include new technologies and methods of delivering recreational and informational content.

To continue to work with the Suffolk Cooperative Library System, NYLA, ALA or other professional organizations to provide employees appropriate training and opportunities for professional development.  This will allow them to perform their job effectively, accurately and be informed of innovations in library service.

To continue to explore cooperative contracts with vendors for new products and competitive pricing.

To continue to evaluate reference and informational needs and to explore how this content is best provided to and used by patrons.

To provide an annual report on our website to the community outlining library usage including library visits, circulation of materials, reference transactions, number of programs held and attendance, computer and wireless sessions.

Conduct and evaluate feedback regarding material selection, programming, technology needs, meeting room space and other relevant topics in the form of a community wide survey on how to best meet their needs.

To seek annual funding through a budget reviewed by our Library Board of Trustees, reflective of the Library’s expenses.

To maintain or enhance the fiscal health of the library.

To seek additional funding in the form of grants whenever possible.

To create a separate and quieter public computer area that will provide more room and a central location for fax, copying, and 3D printing services.

To promote long-term gift giving to the Library, as with our Memorial Book Donations program.

To work with our Friends of the Library organization on their book sales, bus trips, and other fundraiser events for the Library.

To continue to support and expand electronic remote accessing of Library resources and information, including our recent entry into the realm of social media networking (Facebook, Instagram, X, etc.).

To explore new ways to assist library patrons in utilizing library services and technology, as well as making library service accessible to all members of the community. To maintain awareness of literacy needs, and provide space and support for literacy programs.

To maintain an environment that is safe, clean, modern and welcoming for Library patrons and staff. Review and implement recommendations from a facility assessment conducted in 2018.

To maintain a safe and productive work environment that is free from harassment and discrimination through the use of continuing education.

To provide security personnel trained by an officer of the Suffolk County Police Department during all the hours that the Library is open to the public.

To explore options to become more sustainable and reduce our carbon footprint to the environment such as converting from oil to gas heat and recycling.

To provide community awareness of Library services through in-house signage, social media networking, newspaper announcements, email blasts and direct outreach to groups within the communities we serve.

To work with local organizations, not for profits, school districts and other educational organizations to promote cooperative use and resources of the library.

Approved by the Library Board of Trustees on December 14, 2020 for Fiscal Year 2021 through Fiscal Year 2025