Gillen Urges National Park Service to Place Lynbrook Public Library on the National Register of Historic Places
LYNBROOK, NY – Congresswoman Laura Gillen (NY-04) sent a letter to the National Park Service expressing her support for the Lynbrook Public Library to be listed in the National Register of Historic Places. This recognition would help memorialize the nearly century-old institution and make it eligible for key federal and state preservation funding:
“The Lynbrook Public Library is much more than a building — it’s a treasured piece of our shared history on Long Island,” said Rep. Gillen. “It deserves recognition for its architectural beauty, its civic legacy and the important role it has played in the lives of generations of Lynbrook residents.”
“The Library is one of Lynbrook’s architectural treasures and has played a significant role in many cultural and political events of our nation.” said Lynbrook Mayor Alan Beach.
“As a community it is important to preserve our past,” said Deputy Mayor Michael Hawxhurst, Liaison to the Library Board. "We are grateful that the NYS Historic Preservation Office nominated our application and are hopeful the National Park Service will add the Library to National List of Historic Places.’
“It is a very exciting time as the Lynbrook Library continues through the process of being designated on the National Register of Historic Places,” said Lynbrook Library Director Robyn Gilloon. “The outpouring of support from Congresswoman Gillen, Mayor Beach, the Library and Village Board and residents is a reassurance of the importance of libraries throughout our history and into the future.”
Built in 1929 and designed by architect Hugh Tallant, the library stands as a beaming example of Neoclassical Revival architecture and played a unique role in the women’s suffrage movement by hosting clubs and civic groups in the early 20th century.
The Library’s nomination was announced by New York State in March, and it was submitted to the National Park Service on July 18. The National Park Service is expected to make a listing decision within 45 days.
The full letter can be viewed HERE and below:
July 23, 2025
Ms. Jessica Bowron
Acting Director
National Park Service
1849 C Street NW
Washington, DC 20240
Dear Acting Director Bowron:
I write in strong support of the nomination of the Lynbrook Public Library for being listed in the
National Register of Historic Places. This designation would give this beautiful, nearly century-
old library the proper recognition it deserves, make it eligible for opportunities for federal and
state preservation incentives and grants, and help preserve the institution for future generations.
The Lynbrook Public Library, located in the Fourth Congressional District of New York, is a
treasured and historically significant institution on Long Island. This Neoclassical Revival
library building, designed by noted architect Hugh Tallant and completed in 1929, is one of the
best remaining examples of Beaux-Arts architecture on Long Island. Over the years, the
Lynbrook community has demonstrated a strong commitment to preserving and maintaining this
historic building. The building’s architecture reflects the ideals of the Public Library Movement,
and the library helped play an important role in the women’s suffrage movement in the early 20th
century by hosting multiple women’s clubs and suffrage volunteer groups.
Today, the Lynbrook Public Library remains a major source of pride in the Village and a vital
community hub and resource to all residents. I firmly believe that the library is worthy of
inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places to help protect and preserve this landmark.
I respectfully request that you provide full and fair consideration for the Lynbrook Public
Library’s nomination for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. Thank you for your
consideration, and please do not hesitate to contact my office if I can be of additional assistance.
Regards,
Laura A. Gillen
Member of Congress