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. The services may be provided from our own resources, networking with other libraries, partnering with local community organizations and by contracting with professional speakers and educators. 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 administrative 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 Board of Trustees constructed and expanded the canopy in the Southwest corner to create approximately 600 square feet of space that is currently leased to Hampton Coffee Company that operates a full-service cafe. In 2022, the library underwent sustainability improvements and converted from oil to natural gas, upgraded to LED lighting and rotated the stacks in adult area to create a better sight line and increase accessibility. In 2023, The Board of Trustees, with the financial assistance of the Friends of the Library purchased land at 0 Railroad Ave from the Episcopal Church of Saint John the Baptist and in 2024-25, developed the vacant to into a second parking lot to accommodate the library’s increasingly busy usage.  In 2025, through a generous grant from Assemblyman Thiele, a Children’s Play Area and Community Garden Space was created by the rear entrance to the library. 

The library serves the Center Moriches Union Free School District, consisting of a population of over 8,500 residents. Additionally, the Library serves residents of three other school districts (East Moriches, Eastport-South Manor, and Remsenburg-Speonk) that contract annually for 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 at the Service 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.

Strategic Plan Goals and Objectives 

Collection Development & Information Access 

• Maintain a current, diverse, and relevant collection in multiple formats to meet the informational and recreational needs of the community. 

• Provide access to reliable, authenticated information resources. 

• Adapt collection development practices to incorporate emerging technologies and evolving methods of content delivery. 

• Regularly evaluate reference and informational needs to ensure content is provided in the most effective and accessible formats. 

Technology & Digital Services 

• Expand electronic and remote access to library resources and services. 

• Enhance the library’s digital presence, including the strategic use of social media platforms. 

• Increase availability of portable charging stations throughout the library. 

• Identify and implement new methods to support patrons in using library technology and services, ensuring accessibility for all users. 

• Incorporate new digital lockpads/access pads throughout the library. 

• Upgrade website to be compliant with Title 2 of the Americans with Disability Act WCAG 2.1. 

Programs, Literacy & Community Engagement 

• Expand and diversify programming to include educational lectures offered at varying times and days. 

• Support literacy initiatives by providing space, resources, and partnerships for literacy programs. 

• Expand the museum and discount pass program to enhance cultural and educational opportunities. 

• Strengthen partnerships with local organizations, nonprofit agencies, school districts, and educational institutions to promote shared resources and cooperative programming. 

Staff Development & Professional Excellence 

• Support ongoing staff training and professional development through collaboration with professional libraries and local organizations. 

• Ensure staff remain informed of innovations and best practices in library service to promote effective and high-quality service delivery. 

Facilities, Space & Sustainability 

• Maintain a library environment that is safe, clean, modern, and welcoming for patrons and staff. 

• Review and implement recommendations from facility and space assessments. 

• Explore and implement sustainable practices to reduce the library’s environmental impact, including energy efficiency improvements and EV charging stations. 

• Develop and implement a redesign plan for the children’s room to improve space utilization, increase efficiency, and create a more flexible, welcoming environment for programs, collections, and family use. 

Safety & Security 

• Maintain a safe and respectful workplace free from harassment and discrimination. 

• Provide trained security personnel during public service hours. 

• Assess Security Camera System to determine current needs. 

Fiscal Stewardship & Resource Development 

• Secure annual funding through a budget reviewed and approved by the Library Board of Trustees. 

• Maintain and strengthen the long-term fiscal health of the library. 

• Pursue cooperative vendor contracts to secure new products and competitive pricing. 

• Pursue supplemental funding through grants and alternative revenue sources. 

• Encourage long-term philanthropic support through memorial and honorary giving programs. 

• Collaborate with the Friends of the Library on fundraising initiatives. 

Communication, Accountability & Community Feedback 

• Provide an annual report to the community detailing library usage, services, programs, and technology metrics. 

• Increase public awareness of library services through coordinated outreach efforts. 

• Conduct periodic community surveys to evaluate library services and community needs. 

 

Approved by the Board of Trustees on 5/12/26