Flooding at Smithtown Library, Long Island, NY August 19,2024
Video of Flood
The Smithtown Library in Suffolk County, NY uploaded surveillance videos taken Monday, Aug. 19, as heavy rains pushed into the building at One North Country Road in Smithtown. The flood collapsed walls, bashed open doors, and destroyed books and furniture.
The Long Island History Collection home to many historical documents, including the town deed and letters signed by the likes of Thomas Jefferson was damaged.
Many of those relics have been sent out to be salvaged, with the hopes that many of them can be saved, but not all.
Library officials estimate there is at least $10 million in damages and do not expect the basement level to reopen until early 2025.1
Updates from the Smithtown Building | Smithtown Library (smithlib.org)
Fundraiser to rebuild: The Smithtown Library (qgiv.com)
Watch As Floodwaters Burst Through Long Island Library Causing Millions Of Dollars In Damages Daily Voice, Suffolk County, New York, 8/31/2024.
My childhood library. I spent hours in the periodicals room in the basement working on school projects. 😢
Libraries feel like sacred ground - so tied to childhood, dreaming, learning, fun, serenity, and discovery in a beautiful, respectful, sanctuary-like environment. When something happens like this, it really tugs at the heart.