Lynbrook Public Library added to National Register of Historic Places

A Nassau County building, once a possible candidate for demolition, has been added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Lynbrook Public Library was listed on the National Register on Aug. 27, 40 years after residents voted to save the building, the office of Rep. Laura Gillen (D-Rockville Centre) said last week.

"It's just such a great piece of architecture that, for it to be recognized as such, is just fulfilling to us," library director Robyn Gilloon said.

Gilloon said the library received a letter from the State Historic Preservation Office on July 29 stating Lynbrook Public Library would be added to the New York State register and its application would be forwarded to Washington, D.C., for review.

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced it was added to the state register and nominated for the national register in March.

Village administrator John Giordano said the new status opens grant opportunities to preserve and maintain the building using the original plans, such as replacing the front doors, restoring the main entryway to its original state and repointing stonework in the facade.

The next goal is to bring the building as close to its original grandeur as possible for a grand reopening on its 100th anniversary in 2029.

"The designation again will help us get Historic Preservation grants that will keep the building maintained, you know, for the next 100 years," Giordano said.

The library has not yet been notified by the national register, but Gillen’s office contacted the library last week to announce the news, Gilloon said.

The library is also listed on the national register’s website.

"Today’s exciting announcement not only recognizes our shared history on Long Island but also makes the Lynbrook Public Library eligible for key preservation funding that will ensure this treasured cornerstone of our community remains relevant well into our future," Gillen said in a statement last week.

The building is the second library in Nassau to be added to the registry, after the Sea Cliff Village Hall, Library and Museum complex was added in 2005.

Nassau has 157 buildings on the national register, according to its database.

Located across the street from Lynbrook High School and within walking distance from the Long Island Rail Road station, adult librarian Kathleen Curran said the library's centralized spot has allowed generations of residents to call it a second home.

“It occupies such an important place in the village, not just physically, but in the community,” she said.

Designed by architect Hugh Tallant and erected in 1929, the Lynbrook Public Library’s original building is an example of early 20th century Beaux Arts style, known for its grandiose decorative details that channel Italian Renaissance elements.

Tallant and his partner, Henry Beaumont Herts, were prominent figures in New York City architecture, having designed iconic theaters like the New Amsterdam Theatre, the Lyceum Theatre and the Brooklyn Academy of Music.

In 1985, residents rejected a proposal to construct a new library and demolish the Eldert Street building.

Extensions were added in 1992, but the original building remained preserved and is used for meetings and performances.

"Most times, when we have a recital here or a concert, we're always complimented on the acoustics of the building and how great it sounds," Gilloon said.

Giordano said while there have been discussions across the country questioning the need for libraries, the designation of Lynbrook Public Library, which was created by a women's group in 1909,  proves that it will forever be vital to the community.

"It was a building that was taken for granted over the decades," he said. "Now it's considered a treasure."