Join us as we celebrate 125 years of stories, community, and history!
Saturday, December 13 from 5-7pm at the Patchogue Medford Library
Enjoy fascinating history displays, a touch of 1900s nostalgia, crafts, photo opportunities, refreshments and giveaways. Come share this milestone with friends, family and neighbors, as we honor our past and look ahead to our future.
The Library through the Years
1900-1902
John Roe Smith Block housed the state-chartered public library on the south side of West Main Street. At a school board meeting in August 1900, the public voted to create and fund a public library. The Patchogue Library's State Charter went into effect on December 20, 1900.
1902-1908
George M. Ackerly Block housed the public library - and was located on the west side of South Ocean Avenue (currently where Evolution Barbershop is at 46 South Ocean Ave). During this time negotiations for a grant for a Carnegie Library began, with construction on the building beginning in 1907.
1908
The Patchogue Carnegie Library was dedicated on March 4, 1908 and was built with funds from Andrew Carnegie and on donated land from Edwin Bailey, Sr. at 10 Lake Street.
1914-1945
The Custead Era - The Suffolk County Library Association is coalesced under Alma D. Custead. And, in 1941, the Patchogue Library created, housed and hosted the first countywide library catalog.
1946-1952
The Wiggins Era - Muriel Wiggins leads the Library through its 50th anniversary. In 1951, Library services were extended northward to the Medford community, by contract.
1952-1984
The Phipps Era - Elaine Phipps, starting as head Librarian, becomes the Library's first designated Director, who sees the Library from the latter period of the Korean War, through 1950's "Happy Days", through the Sixties & Vietnam Era, the 70's and into the rumblings of the library automation and microcomputer revolutions. It was an age of growth and change.
1958
A modern steel and glass addition to the Carnegie Library is approved and built, roughly doubling the size of the Library.
1966
The first of many unsuccessful votes on creating a Medford Branch of the Library.
1973
Following the lead of the School District, the Library changes its name, by State Charter Amendment, to the Patchogue-Medford Library and extends full service to all Medford residents, without need of contract.
1981
In January of 1981, the Library moved from the Carnegie building to its present location at 54-60 East Main St., formerly a W.T. Grant store. This same year, the Carnegie Building becomes headquarters of Briarcliffe College, Patchogue Campus.
1984-1990
The Courant Era - Sara Courant led the Library through technology changes, obtained the American Library Association John Cotton Dana Public Relations Award for "The Growth of Patchogue" community mural (still found in Roe Alleyway) , and expanded Library service hours in 1987 so it will be open on Sundays from 1-5pm.
1985
Marie Mallon records the first official electronic circulation, a book, checked out to PML ex-Director, Elaine Phipps.
1991-2008
The Gibbard Era - Judy Gibbard brought the Library through the new millennium and helped celebrate the Library's 100 year anniversary.
1993
The Neighborhood Center has its Grand Opening in Eagle Elementary School on November 3, 1993. Elementary school collection, as supplemented each year, by numerous books from PML collections, and opened to the Patchogue-Medford area public during specific periods of the year, during specific days and hours. It becomes the nearest thing to a branch public library in Medford, N.Y., though it is actually part of the school system, not of the library.
1998
Briarcliffe College discontinues use of the Carnegie Building. Ownership of the Carnegie Building reverts to Patchogue Village, and stays under Village ownership until 2012.
2008-2012
The Chrils Era - In 2011 Dina Chrils accepts the National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the nation’s highest honor, from First Lady, Michele Obama, and has annually, since then, received designation as a Star Library, by the American Library Association.
2011-2012
Friends of the Carnegie Library forms an influential grass-roots organization that successfully lobbies to save the library and have it moved by Tritech (owner of New Village).
2012
Patchogue Village awards the Carnegie Library to Patchogue-Medford Library, which is moved to a new location on West Ave. and W. Main St.
2013-2016
The Nichols Era - Lauren Nichols led the restoration of the original Carnegie Library. A new foundation is built, and in 2013 the Carnegie Library is moved 300 ft. onto it. Detailed restoration, construction, ADA compliance, and modern electrical and HVAC systems are installed, and the building is brought up to code. The building reopened in 2016 as the Carnegie Teen Center. In 2017 the Greater Patchogue Historical Society opened in the Carnegie's lower level.
2017-Present
The Paisley Era - Danielle Paisley has led the Library through the COVID-19 pandemic, the building of a new branch, and continues to expand the Library's services and impact in the community.
2018
Approval for a new Library Branch, located in Medford, is obtained, and planning for the new Branch, and an exciting new chapter in the Library's history, begins.
2024
The Medford Branch has its Grand Opening on June 11, 2024.
For more information on Library history, click here!
Thank you for letting us be a part of the community for the last 125 years.
Today, the Patchogue-Medford Library consists of three locations that serve thousands of people in countless ways. We are deeply honored to serve our community, make a difference in the lives of our community members, and to provide opportunities for education, empowerment, and enriching entertainment for all. If you have the means and would like to offer additional support to our trio of Libraries, please donate here.