Old Merrick Library

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On the corner of Merrick and Kirkwood avenues is the site of the original Merrick Library. Now a New York state and Town of Hempstead Historical Site, it was built in 1897 — just six years after early Merrick residents Edward Cammann and Richard Kent established the First Library of Merrick in a barn on the William Hewlett Farm of Merrick Avenue. The Cammann family donated the property at Merrick and Kirkwood, and the rst permanent home of the library, according to its historical marker, opened May 8, 1897.

After a re in 2004, the original library s interior was refurbished. Just before the start of the coronavirus pandemic, ownership of the building transferred to the Merrick nion Free School District.

The Historical Society of the Merricks would like to see the building become a one- or two-room museum, but the idea is still in its early stages. The library has an amazing history — it has been in a lot of diferent buildings, the Merrick schools superintendent Dominick Palma said. The

Tim Baker Herald photos op photo he original Merrick ibrary sits on the corner of Merrick and irkwood avenues ust between Sunrise ighway and Merrick Road uilt in the building is considered the rst per anent ho e of the Merrick ibrary

school district would be thrilled if the historical society would acquire the building.

The historical society is reorganizing, with plans to install a new board in September. In order for the society to use the building, a deal with the school district would have to be arranged, and voted on as a referendum. ntil such plans are further discussed and nalized, the original Merrick Library, and Merrick s recently refurbished World War I Memorial on its grounds, showcase Merrick s history, and are sites to see.

The old library is located at 2369 Merrick Ave., just one block south of the current home of the Merrick Library.

op photo he building is now owned and aintained by the Merrick nion Free School District he istorical Society of the Mer ricks is considering turning a portion of the building into a one or two roo useu if such an agree ent can be reached with the school district

Jordan Vallone Herald Middle photo he orld ar I Me orial that sits outside the building ust underwent a restoration process Eric Spinner who is part of the ewish ar Veterans Post power washed the rock and the pla ue that show cases na es of those who served

otto photo he new ho e of the Merrick ibrary is one block north o of arwood Avenue It rst opened in before a new building replaced it in