Cold Spring Harbor Library

The Cold Spring Harbor Library & Environmental Center, located in Cold Spring Harbor, Suffolk County, New York, has a rich history dating back to the late 19th century. Originally established as the Cold Spring Harbor Village Improvement Society in 1899, the roots of the Library go back even further, to 1886, when a small collection of books was first housed in the Cutting House at 241 Harbor Road. This building was located across the street from the local gristmill and the first librarian was the miller's wife, Mrs. Peter Waters. Throughout its history, the Library has occupied at least seven different buildings. A major milestone came in 2000, when the Library secured a long-term lease for five acres within the newly established Cold Spring Harbor State Park, through an agreement with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. On August 9, 2006, the Library moved into its current home, a stunning 26,500 square foot facility at 95 Harbor Road. Overlooking the harbor, the building sits at the northern trailhead of the Nassau-Suffolk Greenbelt Trail.

The Local History Collection, located on the lower level of the Library, is dedicated to preserving and providing access to primary and secondary source materials on Cold Spring Harbor, Laurel Hollow, and Lloyd Harbor.

Appointments are required to conduct research in our Local History Room. Please call Information Services at 631-692-6820 ext. 200 or email [email protected]