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7 Library Avenue • Westhampton Beach, NY 11978
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Westhampton Free Library, Westhampton Beach, New York

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Library Building

The Westhampton Free Library has been named an honorable mention in the New Landmark Libraries project conducted by Library Journal. Along with 10 winners and 9 other honorable mentions, the Library is excited to be part of this prestigious list. Explore this page to learn of some the ways we achieved LEED Gold certification.

On June 19, 2006 the Westhampton Free Library undertook its first public step towards achieving LEED Gold Certification. A group of community members got together to rank their core values and major design elements for a library facility. These included:

PV array on roof

  • User Friendly and Open Spaces for Targeted Populations and Functions
  • More Space and Functional Space
  • Energy Efficiency
  • Budget and Fundraising
  • Child Friendly
  • Satisfy 20-year Projected Future Needs
  • Community Oriented/Integrated
  • Day lighting/Quality Lighting
  • Aesthetics to Match Village Context
  • Reduced Operating Costs
  • Auxiliary Amenities and Activities that Generate Revenue and Augment Duration of Stay
  • Indoor Air Quality
  • Thermal Comfort
  • Connection to Outdoor Spaces

This was followed by a design charrette in October 2006 where participants from the public, staff, Board and professionals worked on developing design concepts and strategies. This was delivered to the architect and by January 2007 a schematic drawing, elevations and some other work was delivered to the Board. They approved the plan in the Spring of 2007. A public referendum was scheduled for October 2, 2007, which passed and allowed for the financing of the project.

The Library moved to a temporary location in September 2008 and stayed there until the new building opened on June 26, 2010. The Library received its LEED Gold Certification in December 2010 and here are some of the ways we achieved it.

Site
  • We reused the land previously developed (it just so happened to have been our old Library and the hardware store!)
  • We are located near people and businesses.
  • We made the land cleaner by mitigating a brownfield created by the old hardware store.
  • We made it easier to get here with parking spots and connections to other lots. We also reserved a spot for low-emitting or fuel efficient vehicle and we have bike racks.
  • We manage 100% of our storm water runoff. It also removes 100% of the suspended solids in the runoff.
  • We do not contribute unnecessary light pollution to the area.
Water
  • We reduce our potable water usage by 45% by using dual flush toilets and ultra low flow faucets. LEED finds this to be exemplary.
Energy and Atmosphere
  • We used no CFC based refrigerants.
  • Our energy systems were commissioned to insure the contractor fulfilled the design intent.
  • We optimized our energy performance by using an improved thermal envelope, efficient lighting, demand control ventilation, occupancy sensors and high-efficiency HVAC units. This resulted in a 34.8% energy cost savings.
  • We are generating 8.1% of our own energy using photovoltaic panels.
Materials and Resources

We were exemplary in achieving all of the items in this category according to the USGBC.

  • We diverted over 95% of on-site construction waste from a landfill.
  • Over 31% of total building material content had been manufactured using recycled material.
  • Almost 45% of total building material had been extracted, harvested or recovered as well as manufactured within 500 miles of the project site.
Indoor Environmental Quality
  • We monitor CO2 concentrations in our areas and provide fresh air when these move over accepted thresholds.
  • Our HVAC was not operated during construction and remained free of dust, dirt and debris.
  • We used low-emitting materials; including adhesives, sealants, paints, coatings, carpets, and wood.
  • We allow users of our spaces control over lighting and thermal comfort.
  • The Library has direct line of sight views of the outside for 98% of spaces.
Westhampton Free Library