Sachem Public Library Unveils Inside/Out Garden

Saturday morning marked the historical unveiling of the Sachem Public Library's new outdoor extension.

Many turned out for the ribbon-cutting ceremony that officially opened the Inside/Out garden that further helps the library craft a healthy image in the Sachem community.

"Throughout the ages libraries have served as gathering places and Inside/Out takes this concept to a new level of experience for the Sachem community," said Library Director Judith Willner. "What began as the vision of the library board has evolved into the final product you see; a resource for the community that we hope will expand your definition of what a library can be and what a library means to you."

It was an all-day affair as folks were treated to a living sculpture, walking tours, poetry readings, concerts on the lawn, nature seminars and other musical encounters. Those who came out to see this new piece of Sachem witnessed the lively lawn plaza, a performance area already flourishing, a sculpture garden, the lovely contemplation garden, another entry garden and the pedestrian promenade.

Designed by Michael Opisso and aided by architect John Tanzi, the outside extension was created to be educational, as well as environmentally sensitive. All plants are identified by markers and every element is strategically placed to make for the optimal experience.

The library has been running Friday night music programs, either in its auditorium and courtyard venues or the parking lot for quite some time. Now these concerts have a permanent home filled with over 63 species and 233 varieties of plants. The staff will use the Inside/Out seating areas for story times, book discussions and other programs. It's also Wi-Fi enabled.

It's named after Mary M. Martinez, a longtime former employee of the library.  In her will she left a legacy for the public library. In life she realized the importance of the library to the community.  In her passing she wants others to enjoy the rewards in knowledge, enrichment and happiness offered by the Sachem Public Library.

Several longtime library goers gave speeches about the meaning of the facility in their lives.

Joan Catz-Wurtzel, affectionally known as the hat lady, referred to the Joni Mitchell song "Big Yellow Taxi," when she used the lyrics "they paved paradise to put up a parking lot," to make a point.

"The extraordinary Sachem Public Library did quite the opposite," she said. "They saved part of their parking lot and created a natural paradise for us. How terrific is that? 

"We're celebrating one of the unique features of any library, not just in our county and not just in our state, but probably in our country," said New York State Sen. Brian Foley. "Sachem in so many ways is such a wonderful place. I go back to the time when Bernie Brisson was involved in the school district and others like him during that pioneering time and this defines the tradition of those men and women who devoted their lives to the Sachem area."