Patchogue-Medford Library

Specialties

The Patchogue-​Medford Library is the central library of The Suffolk Cooperative Library System. The library provides access to print and digital materials, including an extensive sheet music library, law collection and genealogy collection.

History

Established in 1883.

In 1883, the Patchogue-​Medford Library was founded by an association of citizens determined to make books and other reading material more available to local residents. For many years, the library was without a permanent home, moving from a shoe shop, to a music store, to other rented rooms throughout town.

In 1900, the library received its New York State Charter, and the library board applied for a Carnegie Library grant. The grant was approved and the Carnegie building dedicated in March of 1908.

In its new home, the Patchogue-​Medford library quickly became known as an informational resource for local residents and Suffolk Libraries alike. In 1950, the Library extended its services to Medford residents and in 1973 the name was changed to the Patchogue-​Medford Library. Since 1978, the library has served as the central library for all of Suffolk County.

The library moved to its current location in 1981 where it remains to this day.