The Smithtown Library officially reopened its lower level Thursday, nearly two years after a powerful storm caused extensive flooding and damage throughout the building.

The newly renovated space welcomes patrons back for the first time since the August 2024 storm, which damaged walls, books, shelving and valuable archival materials documenting Long Island's history.

Library officials said renovations are still underway in three parts of the library.

Over the coming weeks, the space will receive new furnishings, equipment, signage and expanded services as the final phases of the restoration project are completed.

The library's first floor reopened in May 2025, allowing services to resume while work continued on the lower level.

Among the items damaged by the flooding were historical books, maps and magazines, some of which are difficult or impossible to replace.

“A lot of these books — and not just books, but maps and magazines — are priceless,” said Smithtown Library Director Robert Lusak. “If we can obtain those items and introduce them to the public, to get them excited about Long Island and Smithtown history, that's what libraries are all about. We're about education."