More Parking Planned for Farmingdale Library

For some residents, it seemed like one day the former Manker's Flower Shop structure on Merritts Road was there and the next it was gone.

"The library is in contract to purchase the Manker's property," said Debbie Podolski, director of the neighboring . "The library board felt it was a excellent opportunity to expand the existing parking lot and upgrade the entrance and exits, which are very narrow as you approach the building."

The property, which is located immediately next door to the library, was once the site of Manker's Nursery and part of it was sold to the library in the 1990's by Bill Manker Sr. Podolski said a few years ago Manker passed away and his son approached the library to see if they were interested in the remaining parcel where the flower shop was.

Podolski said that the library's ever-increasing number of programs that draw crowds was a main reason behind the decision to purchase the parcel and expand parking.

"The library is a very busy place. We can not plan two popular programs on the same day due to lack of parking," she said. "We recently scheduled The Help on a Tuesday afternoon and 125 people attended, leaving few spaces for patrons attending children's programs or for patrons who just want to sit and read or do homework."

Last year,  to have a side entrance, more bathrooms and other amenities. Podolski said the library community is looking forward to this next addition.

"When we've invited popular personalities such as David Baldacci or recently when we had , patrons had to park all the way down Merritts Road," Podolski said. "This happens all the time as the library continues to provide the community with outstanding programs."