New Rochelle Library Announces $55M Bond to Revitalize Entire Building

The New Rochelle Public Library Board received unanimous approval from the New Rochelle School District to place a $55 million bond before voters. The measure will appear on the ballot as part of the May 19 school and library board and budget vote.

The bond is part of a bold, multi-year plan to update and renew every part of the Library—the most active in the Westchester system. A cultural and civic hub for the city, the Library has not undergone any renovation since it was built in 1979. The funding will support critical revitalization of the library, fully modernizing all aspects—from its infrastructure to meeting spaces—and include welcoming, functional areas for reading, learning and gathering.

Lucille Renwick, President of the Library Board, said, “First, we are grateful to the New Rochelle School District Board for their support. They understand both the urgency of the need for a more modern library to serve our community. A modernized library with community spaces, improved infrastructure and overall building is so needed for all of New Rochelle. Now, we will work to ensure that New Rochelleans see that vision as well when they go to vote on May 19.”

“This investment represents a first step toward ensuring the Library can serve the community for generations to come,” said the Library’s executive director, Eugenia Schatoff. She went further to say, “I have worked in libraries my entire career because I believe in what they stand for: that knowledge should be free, that opportunity shouldn’t depend on where you come from, and that every person in a community deserves a welcoming place to learn and grow.”

The New Rochelle Public Library holds a special place in the life of the community so much so that the Library’s board listened when the community expressed its desire to preserve the building several years ago.

Today, New Rochelle is experiencing a period of significant growth, with new development rising throughout the area. The Library remains centrally located along the Huguenot Corridor, within walking distance to the Metro-North train station and bus depot, restaurants, and shopping, and is adjacent to Ruby Dee Park—reinforcing its role as a central and accessible gathering place.

Two information sessions will be held at the New Rochelle Public Library to present the plans and answer questions. These will take place on April 16 and April 28. The sessions are free and open to the public. For more information, call (914) 632-7878 or visit www.nrpl.org.