Hamptons Brouhaha Over Library Expansion

Build it and they will come’ didn’t seem to be on the minds of the zoning board overseeing a proposed 6,800-square-foot new children’s wing of the East Hampton Library in New York, where stars such as Kelly Ripa and Martha Stewart have summer homes.

In an ongoing contentious review process, the East Hampton Village Board of Zoning Appeals has expressed concern that an expanded children’s collection would lead to more library usage by those who live in the less affluent areas of Springs and Wainscott, says Dennis Fabiszak, director of the East Hampton Library. The library, created in 1897, was chartered to serve all three communities.

The proposed library expansion, entirely funded by private donations, will house an additional 10,000 much-needed children’s books. Among the libraries on the east end of Long Island, the East Hampton Library’s children’s collection ranks last in the number of books available per child.

The expansion plans began in 2003 and only now are open to public review. When asked about the delay, Fabiszak said, “The only thing I can think of is they don’t want certain children coming into the village. I hope that is not the case.”