MASTIC BEACH, Long Island (WABC) — A public library in Suffolk County could now stay open with new security measures in place after crime in the area became an issue.
The Mastic Beach branch on Neighborhood Road was slated to close at the end of the year due in part to drugs, criminal activity and vandalism in the area.
But on Thursday, police and local officials outlined changes aimed at keeping everyone safe — and the library open.
A police substation will open across the street from the Mastic Beach library branch in one week.
Officials say the substation is being established to help ensure the community feels safe. Other safety measures include additional lighting and increased staffing.
The move comes after library trustees voted to close the traditional library because of security concerns.
According to police, from May through September, 15 summonses were issued for open alcohol violations, one person was arrested for assault, and other crimes occurred along neighborhood roads, along with incidents of loitering.
The library voted to discontinue traditional library services and instead operate as a center for programs in the Mastic community.
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine vowed to continue working with the library in an effort to keep it fully open.
“We have committed extra dollars to repair and improve safety around the library, and staffing is only part of it, so we will have a substation in the form of a trailer within a week on this lot that is owned by Suffolk County,” Romaine said. “We’re going to sit and work with the library, work with the local civic association, work with the local community leaders to make sure that safety is the number one concern.”
Ultimately, the future of full library operations remains with the library board.
———-
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
* Download our connected TV app
Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News
Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.
Copyright © 2026 WABC-TV. All Rights Reserved.
Source: abc7ny.com
