Larchmont Library Breaks Ground

Despite snow flurries on Feb. 3, the Larchmont Public Library Board of Trustees broke ground for the final phase of the Children's Room renovation.

Those assembled to celebrate the occasion included Library Board Chair Miriam Curnin; New York State Senator Suzi Oppenheimer; New York State Assemblyman George Latimer; Ben Craig representing Congresswoman Nita Lowey; Larchmont Mayor Liz Feld; Mamaroneck Town Supervisor Valerie O'Keeffe; Village Trustees Josh Mandell and Anne McAndrews; Harriet Kline, Friends of the Larchmont Public Library; Library Trustees David Birch, Pamela Dubitsky, Maureen LeBlanc, and John McGarr, and Library director Diane Courtney. Demetris Demetriou, representing Richard F. Hein Architects and Dominic Calgi, from Calgi Construction, were also present.

Using the same gold shovel that had been used to break ground for the 1993 expansion, Miriam Curnin took the first shovelful of earth to mark this event.

In her remarks Curnin said that this Children's Room will be a model for children's services for the next 50 years. Valerie O'Keeffe and Liz Feld noted that the Larchmont Library is funded by their two communities and is an example of municipal cooperation. Chair of the Education Committee for the New York State Senate Suzi Oppenheimer commented on how important libraries are to our communities, especially in these hard economic times. George Latimer mentioned the varied ages and economic levels of people served by the Larchmont Library and he challenged those who think they know Larchmont to stop by the Library on any given day.

Asbestos abatement and new electrical service have been completed; currently, other infrastructure work is underway. When done, the new Children's Room will feature more shelving for books, more computers, a gazebo for the youngest Larchmonters, a puppet theater, and a new activity room for crafts and programs. An elevator will provide easy access to the Children's Room.

Many of the speakers noted how important libraries are to our communities, especially in these difficult economic times. In addition to fiscal support from the Village, Town, state and federal governments, much of the funding for this renovation came from individual donations. Mrs. Curnin thanked all those present who have supported this project. Vision and support—both financial and moral-- are required for such a major project to take off, and determination and careful planning are necessary during each step of the process to see it through to completion.

It is expected that the new Children's Room will be open by late this summer; watch for news of the exciting Grand Opening!