Connetquot Public Library was founded in 1974. The library district covers an area of 21.1 square miles, including the hamlets of Ronkonkoma, Bohemia and Oakdale, Long Island, New York, and serves a population of approximately 40,000 people. The library is a community center for the research needs and development of its district residents. The word "Connetquot" is an Algonquian Indian word meaning "at the long river." It refers to the Connetquot River, which is located west of the library district.

Mission

Connetquot Public Library strives to impart a lifelong love of learning to all Connetquot Central School District residents of any age. The library will provide access to educational, professional and recreational materials in a variety of formats along with cultural and intellectual programming for those young and old alike. These services will be achieved within an inviting, organized and accessible environment for all.

Board of Trustees

Connetquot Public Library is governed by a Board consisting of 5 elected Trustees. Each Trustee serves a five-year term with one position coming up for election each year. These dedicated individuals, who are responsible for developing policy, are the vital link between the library and community.

Dorothy Roman
President

Term Expires 6/30/23

Susan Furfaro
Vice President

Term Expires 6/30/24

Elizabeth Savit
Secretary Treasurer

Term Expires 6/30/25

George Kreuscher
Trustee

Term Expires 6/30/27

Kathleen Schmidt
Trustee

Term Expires 6/30/26

Administration

Kimberly DeCristofaro
Executive Director
Jason Ladick, Ph.D
Director of Operations

Board Meetings

Date Time Type Agenda Minutes
2022-01-13January 13, 20226:00 pmRegular Meeting
2022-02-10February 10, 20226:00 pmRegular Meeting
2022-03-10March 10, 20226:00 pmRegular Meeting
2022-03-24March 24, 20226:00 pmBudget Information Meeting
2022-04-14April 14, 20226:00 pmRegular Meeting
2022-05-12May 12, 20226:00 pmRegular Meeting
2022-06-09June 09, 20226:00 pmRegular Meeting
2022-07-07July 07, 20226:00 pmRegular Meeting
2022-08-11August 11, 20226:00 pmRegular Meeting
2022-09-08September 08, 20226:00 pmRegular Meeting
2022-10-13October 13, 20226:00 pmRegular Meeting
2022-11-10November 10, 20226:00 pmRegular Meeting
2022-12-08December 08, 20226:00 pmRegular Meeting
2023-01-12January 12, 20236:00 pmRegular Meeting
2023-02-09February 09, 20236:00 pmRegular Meeting
2023-03-23March 23, 20236:00 pmBudget Information Meeting
2023-03-09March 09, 20236:00 pmRegular Meeting
2023-04-13April 13, 20236:00 pmRegular Meeting
2023-05-11May 11, 20236:00 pmRegular Meeting
2023-06-08June 08, 20236:00 pmRegular Meeting
2023-07-18July 18, 20236:00 pmReorganization & Regular Meeting
2023-08-10August 10, 20236:00 pmRegular Meeting
2023-09-14September 14, 20236:00 pmRegular Meeting
2023-10-12October 12, 20236:00 pmRegular Meeting
2023-11-09November 09, 20236:00 pmRegular Meeting
2023-12-14December 14, 20236:00 pmRegular Meeting
2024-01-11January 11, 20246:00 pmRegular Meeting
2024-02-08February 08, 20246:00 pmRegular Meeting
2024-03-14March 14, 20246:00 pmRegular Meeting
2024-04-11April 11, 20246:00 pmRegular Meeting
2024-05-09May 09, 20246:00 pmRegular Meeting
2024-06-13June 13, 20246:00 pmRegular Meeting
2024-07-08July 08, 20246:00 pmReorganization & Regular Meeting

Budget and Voting Information

Residents of the Connetquot Central School District who are registered with the Suffolk County Board of Elections are eligible to vote.


Adopted Budget 2023-24


Budget Newsletter


Proposed Budget 2024-25


Absentee Ballot Application


Early Mail Ballot Application

History

On October 16, 1974, the Connetquot school district, covering an area of 21.1 square miles, voted in favor of establishing a public library with a $175,000 budget.  The inaugural five members of the Board of Trustees elected were James Bunting, Robert Dennis, Susan Furfaro, Eileen McArthur, and John Randazzo.  The Board began working on securing a NYS Board of Education charter, preparing bylaws and hiring a Library Director to administer the new institution.

In January 1975, the first Library Director, Joy Meisels, was appointed.  After extensive discussions regarding the location for a new library building, a site just south of the school district administration building, at 760 Ocean Avenue in Bohemia, was chosen and designated by the school district for library use.

While the module buildings were being constructed, library service commenced with a small staff fervently working on the 2nd floor of the school administration building. Thousands of books were ordered and processed for the forthcoming library, with the first book added to the new collection being The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain.  With a grant from the New York State Division of Library Development, $50,000 in reference materials was acquired with all finished books provisionally held at the Edith Slocum School in Ronkonkoma until the prefabricated building was ready for occupancy. 

On Monday July 14, 1975, a dreary overcast day, the long awaited grand opening of the Connetquot Public Library took place.  In spite of the weather, more than 1,000 residents came in that first day to sign up for a library card and to register for the Summer Reading Club.  Despite the sizeable collection of 10,000 items, the overwhelming community turnout led to concern that the library would run out of books before the end of the day!  On October 26, 1975, a dedication for the Connetquot Public Library was held with the lease for the land and charter being formally presented by the Board of Education and the Suffolk Cooperative Library System, respectively.

In July 1976, Joan Zaleski was appointed as the new Library Director and planning began to erect a new permanent building for the library.  In December 1976, residents approved a referendum to seek $1,200,000 in federal funds to begin construction.  By October 1977, the Public Works Capital Development and Investment Program only granted $598,000, which was used to break ground on a 16,000 square foot one-storied building in December 1977, designed by district resident and architect Ronald Benedict.

Opening on November 28, 1978, this spacious facility added room for thousands of books, records, periodicals, and even artwork to the growing collection, as well as allowing the library to offer additional programs to the community.  The programs ranged from craft workshops, plays and story hours to films, animals shows, and live musical entertainment.  Many of the programs took place on the lawn, with patrons being asked to bring their own lawn chairs, or among the public reading area.

In order to continue the library’s transition to a community center, voters approved an $800,000 expansion to construct a much-needed Community Room and to increase the modest size of the Children’s area in October 1984.  This section of the building opened in the autumn of 1986 and gave the library an opportunity to offer a greater number of programs in a designated space, thereby not disrupting those who came to read or study.

During the 1980s, advancements in audio-visual technology brought changes to the library’s collection.  The vinyl record music collection was superseded by audio cassette, which in turn gave way to compact discs.  Fiction and nonfiction books became available on cassettes allowing readers with limited sight, drivers who enjoy listening while they travel, and others the opportunity to experience a good book.  The arrival of the VCR into people’s homes ushered in a new collection which offered movies and instructional films, and quickly became one of the most popular portions of the collection. 

In the 1990s, the surging growth of home computers pushed the technology into the mainstream and soon became as essential as pen and paper.  The library kept pace with these changes by converting from Commodore 64 and Apple II to the latest Windows PCs.  Circulating CD-ROMs were added to the collection which enabled patrons to experience new and interesting software at home.  Popular computer classes were offered each month at the library on the crucial topics of the time, such as word processing, database searching, graphic design, and Internet use and safety.  

In 1992, a revolution in organization was unveiled as a computerized text-based catalog replaced the traditional card catalog.  Instead of shuffling through drawer upon drawer of cards, library users could now search thousands of materials much faster.   This transition opened the door for the catalog to soon integrate graphics and be available to browse online from home.

The rise of the Internet in the 21st century brought great changes to the library as new methods for acquiring and providing information emerged.  Reference questions could now be asked in person, by phone, email, or text message.  Furthermore, librarians could now answer these questions with authoritative information found online. The library website was developed to display details on library services and to provide an organized pathway to the vast amount of information available on the Internet before evolving into the gateway for all digital library services.  Computers equipped with high-speed Internet connections and Wi-Fi access throughout the building enabled patrons to engage the growing world of digital information quickly and easily with the assurance that a librarian was still there to help them at any point.  Additionally, online reference databases joined the online catalog as a library resource available for home use.

In October 1997, the community approved a three million dollar bond issue to expand the existing building and add over 20,800 feet of space for more shelving, technology, seating, and restrooms.  This new Adult Services area, which opened in March 2001, was designed to enhance computer use and allow for a comfortable and enjoyable place to study and read.  Tiled floors in the older sections of the library were replaced by carpet and the Children’s Services area was later expanded to add a larger computer area and play space for preschoolers.  The collection continued to grow and soon came to include new AV formats, such as DVD and Books on CD.

In 2003, Kimberly DeCristofaro was named as the new Library Director and prepared to lead the library into the 21st century. In response to a shift in technology trends, the library began offering digital content, such as electronic books, and training for patrons utilizing their own personal mobile devices.  Even in the information driven reality of the modern world, this reinvention of service has helped continue the library’s reputation as a place to go for answers and support.

The library’s integration of modern computer technology continued to grow in an attempt to create a secure and streamlined experience.  All public computers were upgraded to include larger screens and a convenient self sign-in feature to ensure privacy to the user.  Traditional services, such as printing and faxing, were bolstered by new offerings, such as scanning and digital microfilm viewing.  In order to offer our younger patrons the latest and greatest in education and entertainment, Children’s Services was outfitted with a collection Apple iPads loaded with apps.

The library updated its website and online catalog to the latest standards, even developing a mobile application, in order to provide library service to our patrons 24/7. Rather than merely providing information about library services, the website evolved into the gateway for all digital library services, with the catalog becoming a sophisticated research tool that allows patrons to check their account status, pay fines, find reviews, place holds ,and download electronic content.  Furthermore, the library continues to market its services through traditional channels, such as print, as well as more recent methods, such as social media. 

Library service continues to grow through the offering of innovative programming and initiatives for adults and children of all ages.  While books and AV materials are still popular, the library continues to broaden our offerings with new circulating items, such as museum passes.  In addition, program attendance continues to grow as the library strives to create memorable in-person experiences for our patrons by providing concerts, movies, classes, and a wide array exciting sessions for children.

The growth of the library from a one-room building into a spacious community center continues as the layout of the existing building is consistently reevaluated to meet the ever changing  needs of the community. Many areas of the building, especially the older sections, require upkeep in order to continue to offer services in a clean and safe environment.   In 2010, the older sections of the building underwent an extensive asbestos abatement, as new carpeting and tile was installed.  By 2013, the lobby restrooms received their first renovation to update the aged plumbing and aesthetic.  By 2016, these two projects culminated with a reevaluation of the use of space at the library’s entrance, with the two Circulation services desks being consolidated. This change provided more public space and created a more open and welcoming feeling when entering and exiting the building. That same year, a new Children's Activity Room was created on the north side of the building to help accomodate the ever increasing demand for quality programming.

In 2019, we began an ambitious renovation designed to transform existing multi-tiered bookstacks into a 2,000 square-foot Learning Commons. As the landscape of public libraries continues to evolve, it became paramount to establish a substantial physical space to serve as a clear showcase for the direction our service model is transitioning towards. Rather than creating either a traditional teen or makerspace, this area would take the concept of a learning commons, often found in academic libraries, and adapt it for a public library setting. This space provides our members with a glimpse into the vibrant future of libraries, where a high-quality public education is made available through content creation technology, gaming, virtual reality experiences, and traditional classes.

In 2022, Connetquot Public Library introduced a newly-renovated Children and Family Services Space, designed for our members from birth through grade 5 and their families. This area was purposefully envisioned to facilitate a diverse range of learning activities and interactions while being the place for discovery. We begin at the early stages of learning, where play, investigation, sharing, and attaining early concepts are key drivers in redesigning our Preschool Play Area. In addition to our picture book collection, this space now has multi-purpose foam blocks, designed for building structures or dividing space. The limits are your children’s imaginations! Understanding the role that different colors play in the learning environment, from cognition to emotion, is a critical part of a successful space redesign. The colors we chose were selected to foster creativity and excitement in some areas while creating a calming space for the young readers in others. The entire area is tied together with a park-like aesthetic, including tactile grass seating and our new Central Park & Gathering space with Reading Tree.

As the building and its collection have grown, so has the staff.  The library began with just three employees; a director, a secretary, and a library clerk. Today, the staff consists of more than 70 employees, mostly part-time and district residents.  They are divided into Administration, Adult & Information Services, Children & Family Services, Learning Commons, Circulation Services, Technical Services, and Maintenance.

Policies

SECTION TITLE STATUS
100-10 BOARD OF TRUSTEES BYLAWS Revised 4/14/2022
100-20 TRUSTEE EDUCATION POLICY Adopted 12/8/2022
100-30 OPEN MEETING POLICY Adopted 2/9/2023
1000-10 COMPUTER & NETWORK SECURITY POLICY Adopted 9/11/2014; Revised 11/10/2016
200-10 MISSION STATEMENT Revised 05/12/2005
200-20 LIBRARY BILL OF RIGHTS Adopted 8/14/2014
200-30 CONFIDENTIALITY OF LIBRARY RECORDS Adopted 8/14/2014; Revised 10/9/2014
200-40 LONG RANGE PLAN Adopted 10/11/2018
300-10 MATERIAL SELECTION POLICY Adopted 2/9/2004; Revised 4/9/2015
500-100 DISTRACTED DRIVER POLICY Adopted 1/13/2022
500-110 LACTATION AND BREASTFEEDING POLICY Adopted 2/9/2023
500-10a PERSONNEL POLICY APPOINTMENTS AND SEPARATION Revised 2/14/2019
500-10b PERSONNEL POLICY CONDITIONS OF WORK Revised 11/9/2017
500-10c PERSONNEL POLICY COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS Revised 2/10/2022
500-10d PERSONNEL POLICY LEAVE BENEFITS Revised 11/13/2020
500-20 CODE OF ETHICS Adopted 9/9/2010
500-200 SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY Adopted 06/10/2010
500-210 EMPLOYEE ICT POLICY Adopted 12/12/13; Revised 6/12/14
500-30 WHISTLEBLOWER POLICY Adopted 6/11/2009
500-40 CONFLICT OF INTEREST Adopted 6/11/2009
500-60a SEXUAL HARASSMENT Adopted 7/9/2015; Revised 10/11/2018
500-60b COMPLAINT FORM FOR REPORTING SEXUAL HARASSMENT
500-70 EMPLOYEE BULLETIN BOARD POLICY Adopted 3/12/2015
500-80 WORKPLACE HOSTILITY AND VIOLENCE POLICY Adopted 1/2007
500-90 EMERGENCY CLOSINGS Adopted 6/11/2015; Revised 2/8/2024
600-20 SECURITY CAMERA POLICY
700-10 MAINTENANCE OF PUBLIC ORDER ON LIBRARY PROPERTY
700-100 PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
700-120 NOTIFICATION AND DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION ON SEX OFFENDERS
700-140 PROGRAM POLICY
700-150 PHOTOGRAPHY & RECORDING POLICY
700-160 GIFTS, DONATIONS & ENDOWMENTS
700-20 TUTORING POLICY
700-30 UNATTENDED CHILDREN
700-40a PUBLIC USE OF MEETING ROOM
700-50 PUBLIC BULLETIN BOARD POLICY
700-60a EXHIBIT & DISPLAY POLICY
700-70 PUBLIC COMPUTER USE POLICY
700-80 RECORDS RETENTION AND DISPOSITION
700-90a FREEDOM OF INFORMATION LAW POLICY
700-90b FREEDOM OF INFORMATION LAW REQUEST FORM
700-90c FREEDOM OF INFORMATION LAW APPEAL FORM
800-10 CIRCULATION POLICY
900-10 FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT POLICY
900-20 FUND BALANCE POLICY
900-30 INVESTMENT POLICY
900-40 VENDOR MANAGEMENT POLICY
900-50 PROCUREMENT POLICY
900-60 DISPOSAL OF SURPLUS ITEMS
SECTION TITLE STATUS

Frequently Asked Questions

Hours & Closings

Hours

The building is open Monday through Friday 9am to 9pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm and Sunday 1pm to 5pm from September through May.

Closings

The building is closed New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, President’s Day, Easter, Mother’s Day, Memorial Day (Sunday & Monday), Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.

Employment

All job opening will be listed here. If we do not currently have any open positions, please submit the general Employment Application.

Note: This employer adheres to the rules, regulations and procedures of the Suffolk County Department of Civil Service.

Apply Now

Contact

If you have any questions or comments, a member of our staff will always be happy to help. Feel free to contact us by telephone, SMS, fax, our contact form, or social media and we will be sure to get back to you as soon as possible during our normal hours of operation.



When you submit your question, be as complete and specific as possible. The more you tell us, the better our answer will be! Note: Legal, medical, and financial advice are not provided.