Vandalism, drugs, gun incidents prompt Mastic Beach library to close earlier
Joseph Maiorana, president of the library's Board of Trustees, told News 12 the decision follows ongoing safety and security issues near the branch.
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Safety concerns and criminal activity near the Mastic Beach branch of the Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Community Library have forced the location to cut its hours, particularly as daylight hours dwindle.
A notice posted to the library's website says the change took effect Wednesday, with the branch now closing at 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Joseph Maiorana, president of the library's Board of Trustees, told News 12 the decision follows ongoing safety and security issues near the branch.
He said the area has seen vandalism, drug-related activity, threatening behavior, and incidents involving violence and firearms, with some situations requiring police intervention.
The Suffolk County Police Department says the nearby precinct assigned two officers to a foot patrol on Neighborhood Road from May through mid-September from 4 p.m. to 4 a.m.
Police say officers issued 15 summonses for open alcohol, made two arrests for criminal possession of a controlled substance and arrested one person on an assault charge following an Aug. 23 shooting.
They said since the foot patrol ended, patrols have increased across all three tours.
The department reported 45 calls for service at the Mastic Shirley Library so far this year, including 16 disturbances, 11 alarm calls, four criminal incidents and two larcenies. One call was for someone who graffitied property and one domestic violence incident.
"Despite increased security measures and our continued cooperation with the Suffolk County Police Department, these concerns have persisted," Maiorana said. "With daylight hours growing shorter, we believe adjusting the branch's operating hours is a prudent and necessary step to help maintain a safer environment for everyone."
He expressed that "The safety and well-being of our patrons and staff are our highest priorities," and that they will "remain committed to serving the Mastic Beach community and will continue working with law enforcement and our security personnel to address these concerns."
Patrons are encouraged to visit the library system's main branch or its Moriches location.
