Levittown Public Library, located at 1 BLUEGRASS LANE, stands as a cornerstone institution within the uniquely historic and vibrant planned community of Levittown, New York. Conceived in the post-World War II housing boom by Levitt & Sons, Levittown was meticulously designed as an affordable suburban haven for returning veterans and their families, a vision that dramatically reshaped Long Island’s landscape. The library, established in 1952, has evolved from a modest collection within the Levittown Memorial Education Center to its present, expansive facility, mirroring the community’s growth and evolving needs. Situated just a block west of Division Avenue, a primary north-south artery connecting the northern and southern sections of the hamlet, and mere minutes north of the bustling Hempstead Turnpike (Route 24), its central location makes it highly accessible for residents across all Levittown sections, from the ‘Ranch’ homes east of Wantagh Avenue to the ‘Cape Cods’ west of Newbridge Road.
Historically, the Levittown Public Library has been integral to fostering civic engagement and educational advancement in a community often lauded as the prototype of American suburbia. Its founding coincided with the maturation of the initial wave of Levittowners, providing resources for families, a growing school-aged population, and adult learners. Today, it serves a remarkably diverse demographic, encompassing multi-generational Levittown families, new residents drawn by the area’s schools and community feel, and a significant population of commuters who appreciate its extended hours and comprehensive services. For seniors living in the sections bordering North Wantagh or East Meadow, the library offers specialized programming and easy access via paratransit options or short drives down Division Avenue. Younger families residing near the Levittown Community Park or the streets immediately surrounding Division Avenue High School frequently utilize the children’s services and educational workshops.
Beyond its traditional offerings of books, media, and digital resources, the Levittown Public Library has actively expanded its role to become a crucial administrative and civic resource. The integration of passport application acceptance services approximately 18 years ago exemplifies this commitment, providing a vital convenience that saves residents from traveling to distant post offices or county clerk’s offices. This service caters particularly to families preparing for international vacations, business professionals needing expedited document processing, and individuals applying for their first passport. With an average of 65 passport applications processed each week, the library is a consistently busy acceptance facility, reflecting the strong demand within the immediate Levittown area and neighboring communities like Wantagh, East Meadow, and Plainedge.
The library building itself, while having undergone significant renovations and expansions since its original construction, retains an approachable, community-centric aesthetic. Its large, welcoming entrance on Bluegrass Lane is a familiar sight to anyone navigating the local streets. Situated within five blocks, prominent landmarks include the Levittown Memorial Education Center, directly across Bluegrass Lane, which houses administrative offices for the Levittown Union Free School District, and Division Avenue High School, located just a few blocks north on Division Avenue. These educational institutions create a vibrant academic corridor, with the library serving as a natural extension for research, study, and community gatherings. Furthermore, the expansive green spaces of the North Division Avenue Greenbelt, a linear park system, offer a pleasant respite for those visiting the library, accessible with just a short walk east from Bluegrass Lane.
The unique aspect of having a passport facility within a public library fosters a relaxed, supportive environment for what can often be a complex process. Applicants benefit from the quiet, well-organized setting, distinct from the sometimes hurried atmosphere of a postal branch. The library’s trained passport acceptance agents are highly knowledgeable, often guiding first-time applicants or those with specific situations, such as minor children, through the intricate documentation requirements. This level of personalized attention contributes significantly to the library’s reputation as an exceptionally reliable and user-friendly passport processing location. From the local sports teams planning international tournaments to families embarking on their first overseas adventure, the Levittown Public Library empowers its community members to seamlessly connect with the wider world, all from the familiar comfort of their local institution on Bluegrass Lane.
