Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Officially Re-Opens Larchmont Public Library

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on Saturday, September 24, at 11:00am, officially re-opening the Larchmont Public Library following the completion of a lengthy renovation that renews and updates main Library. Attending and participating in the ceremony were Village of Larchmont Mayor, Lorraine Walsh, Town of Mamaroneck Supervisor, Nancy Seligson, New York State Senator, George Latimer, Mamaroneck Town Council members, Abby Katz and Ernie Odierna (Deputy Supervisor), Village Board members Carol Miller and Malcolm Frouman and former Larchmont Mayor, Ann McAndrews. The Larchmont Library Board of Trustees also participated, including Pamela Tillinghast Dubitsky (Board Chair), Jennifer Jordan Conley, Maureen Feerick LeBlanc, Lauren Gottfried, John McGarr, Linnet Tse. Library Director, Laura Eckley, also participated in the ceremony.

Library Board Chair, Pamela Tillinghast Dubitsky, led the ceremony that began at 11:00am and following the presentation of an official joint proclamation presented by Nancy Seligson and Lorraine Walsh, cut the ribbon officially opening the new library to the public.

The main building of the Larchmont Library was last renovated in 1994, before the Internet and before the many digital devices we take for granted now radically changed the way we access information. Over time, while demand for traditional library services remained strong, library patrons increasingly sought new services and technologies. As our offerings expanded, our facilities needed to expand also. It became evident that in order to stay viable and remain a vital place within the community, a significant renovation was necessary. Working within the existing footprint, architects updated the building’s interior while maintaining its traditional feel. The renovation greatly improves flow throughout the three levels of the building and ensures that all spaces are fully ADA-accessible, and includes electrical upgrades and energy-efficient lighting.

Patrons now enter the building into a bright and open space that offers improvements for everyone. A new Technology Commons includes computer workstations, a laptop bar, long study tables, a business center and conference and tutoring rooms. A glass-enclosed reading room creates a quiet space for patrons seeking a more traditional library, while a browsing room with bestsellers welcomes those who seek a more relaxed atmosphere. The renovated library also includes a new coffee bar and patrons can enjoy covered beverages anywhere in the main building. And finally, new bathrooms are conveniently located on the main level.

On the upper level, there’s the vibrant new LOFT; a newly designed space for teens. Children who spent their early years in our award-winning Children’s Room (winning Best of Westchester 2012, 2014 and 2016!) can now “graduate” to a space of their own. The upper level is further enhanced with a tutoring room, a laptop bar, a new Director’s Office and a new fiction reading area. On the lower level, the art gallery has been improved, and serves as access to the delightful Ryder’s Garden, dedicated last summer in memory of Ryder Brown.

The Larchmont Public Library Board of Trustees is particularly proud that this renovation was funded primarily through donations and grants; nearly 650 local families donated a total of $1.5 million, and the Library received $272,000 in New York State grants, including grants obtained with the help of State Senator George Latimer and State Assemblyman Steve Otis.