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Scarsdale Officials Continue Discussing Public Library Overhaul

SCARSDALE, N.Y. - With Scarsdale officials mulling a multi-million dollar overhaul of the village's public library, local officials continue performing their due diligence as they discuss the overwhelming logistics of such a potentially sweeping, multi-million dollar proposal.

The view from Post Road presents a gracious combination of old and new at the Scarsdale Public Library.

The view from Post Road presents a gracious combination of old and new at the Scarsdale Public Library.

Photo Credit: Scarsdale Public Library
The proposal for a complete overhaul of the Scarsdale Public Library.

The proposal for a complete overhaul of the Scarsdale Public Library.

Photo Credit: Scarsdale Public Library
From the cozy window seat to the playful book maze, the expanded children's wing inspires curiosity and a love of reading in Scarsdale.

From the cozy window seat to the playful book maze, the expanded children's wing inspires curiosity and a love of reading in Scarsdale.

Photo Credit: Scarsdale Public Library
The new plans will make the most of the library's park-like setting in Scarsdale.

The new plans will make the most of the library's park-like setting in Scarsdale.

Photo Credit: Scarsdale Public Library

Late last year, officials with the Scarsdale Public Library unveiled grand plans for a complete renovation and expansion of the space, which would make it one of the village’s most vibrant, modern destinations.

The idea to renovate the library sparked in 2012, when a survey was conducted to gauge community needs and interests, and according to organizers of the renovation, one message was clear: “Scarsdale values excellence in education and lifelong learning.”

Following that survey, a plan began to take shape, which was fully unveiled to the public last month. With artists’ models and renderings of the space available, officials are getting to the nitty-gritty details of the plan.

In total, the expansive project is estimated to cost more than $18 million, with additional funding needed to set up a temporary library at Supply Field while work is ongoing. The Library Campaign for Excellence Committee – the group spearheading the radical renovation plan – is seeking to raise approximately $8 million in private funds, with the balance coming from the village.

With approximately $12 million in funding required from the village, the Board has now asked staff members to evaluate the tax impact in both the short and long-term if the money needs to be borrowed, though officials have stressed that no decision is imminent.

The renovation would include a “dramatic increase of public space,” community meeting rooms, places to study in small groups, and a quiet reading area.

Additionally, a café and lobby with seating would be installed, complete with a technology suite and business center. There will be a gallery overlooking the pond, expanded children’s wing and an outdoor reading deck, making the library a place suitable for every member of the village.

In addition to making the library a more desirable destination for village residents, there will also be improvements made to the infrastructure of the building.

Aside from the new amenities, if the plan is undertaken, there will be a slate roof replacement, an elevator for multi-level access and wheelchair and family-friendly restrooms. There will also be a powerful generator installed, which will help the entire community in the event of another catastrophic storm.

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