Since it opened last June, the Patchogue-Medford Library’s Medford branch has become many things to its 824 cardholders.

More than a place to borrow the latest bestseller, it’s also a place to take a yoga class, find an after-school program for kids, or find free or discount admission for area museums and attractions.

“We love all the activities,” said Nina Samarro of Medford, who brings her daughter Ava, 1, for classes in the morning and her son Logan, 5, to the library’s after-school crafts and soccer programs. “It’s been a great opportunity for the kids to meet one another and engage.”

On Thursday, library staff and the public celebrated the Medford branch’s one-year anniversary with music, kids’ crafts and refreshments.

People lined up to make their own tie-dye T-shirt, decorate a hand-painted rock, or enjoy treats from Lola’s Southern Cuisine and DQ.

Medford residents appreciate that they no longer have to travel to the library’s main branch, in downtown Patchogue.

“The services we already offered in Patchogue are here now,” branch manager Patricia Cruz said.

“It’s easier to come here and less crowded,” said Sharlene Baldeo of Medford, an avid reader who comes to the library regularly to check out books.

Getting the library built was at least a six-year effort, Pat-Med Library director Danielle Paisley said.

“The community has wanted it for so many years,” Paisley said.

And Medford residents have embraced the library with enthusiasm, signing up for programs—all of which are free—and borrowing more than 13,000 items in the past year.

“Our programs are full here,” Paisley said.

The Medford branch has also become a place where people who live in Medford come together.

“A community center is really what it’s turned into,” said Aida Alicea, a Patchogue-Medford Library trustee and Medford resident.

Library staff have a slate of activities planned for the summer, including the first-ever Friday Night Dance Parties held outdoors on the library’s front patio, starting with line dancing on June 27, followed by disco on July 25 and reggae on Aug. 27.

“We’ll have music and a dance instructor,” Cruz said.