Library Reopens After Three-Day Power Outage

Residents were able to hit the books again after a power outage from the hurricane caused the to close for three days.

Library officials said the building lost power Saturday night during the storm and didn’t regain power until yesterday afternoon. After necessary safety protocols were completed, officials opened the library during regular business hours today at 9 a.m.

“We still don’t have power in my house, so I’m actually glad that I can come here to do some of my work,” said Syosset resident Surakha Dasari. “It was frustrating in the last few days. I really needed to use my laptop and I would go out just to charge my cell phone. These are typical things that we never think about.”

But to the dismay of many, the library has not regained internet access.

“There’s no internet access because Cablevision is out at this point. We’re in touch with them and we’ll get it back as quickly as we can,” said Lisa Caputo, assistant library director.

Like many other residents who relied on the library to be open for wireless internet connection, Dasari had to relocate to find another go-to spot for Wi-Fi.

“I went to the Hicksville Library. I really needed to do some school work and keep in touch with classmates through email,” she said.

Library officials also chose to waive any fines for overdue books and movies.

“They were kind enough to tell me that the DVD that is still in my DVD player—because I can’t open it up because we still don’t have electricity—will not get a fine today,” laughed Syosset resident Beverly Silver.

“It’s been over 72 hours without power. It’s frustrating,” she said.

Other than a fallen tree in the parking lot that has already been cleaned up, the library reports no damages from the storm.

“We’re just happy to have the building open when so many members of the community are still without power,” Caputo said.