Touring Local Libraries – Ours is Behind...

(This article was submitted by Diane Greenwald, VP of the Library Board) Doing their due diligence and perhaps seeking inspiration, several Village Trustees, along with members of the Library Board, took a field trip on Saturday October 29th to visit two local libraries located in communities that have invested in library improvements.

To Darien, Connecticut: New Construction Library
Guided by Scarsdale Library Director Elizabeth Bermel, the trip began at Darien Public Library, where the group met with Bermel's counterpart, Director Alan Kirk Gray, a well-regarded visionary for the 21st century library. Gray described how Darien's building, completed in 2007, supports a philosophy of patron service and hospitality. "We consider ourselves as caretakers." He explained, "We want you to be comfortable here. If someone has a problem {in the community} we want to be the solution."

Darien Public Library serves a population of 21,000, about 5,000 more than Scarsdale, and is considered the gold standard for modern libraries today. Their new-construction building, at 54,000 SF total, is larger than the Scarsdale Library is now or plans to become, and includes many conveniences and enviable accommodations.

For example, the group was impressed with the sunny children's wing that includes two dedicated program rooms and as well-equipped maker's space; the fully-equipped video conference room that can be rented out as a revenue source; a fixed-seat auditorium with concert-quality acoustics; a dedicated and 'tricked out' teen room; a full business center with Bloomberg Terminals and a large-scale bubble-jet printer; a dedicated technology classroom in addition to walk-up computer stations; a green-screen media production room; an art gallery; a state-of-the-art book sorting machine in the basement connected to self-check in/out machines upstairs; a large and inviting reading gallery; a cozy and inviting periodical gallery; several enclosed offices for sign up use; and every shape and size chair and nook for quiet, semi-quiet and chit-chat. Director Gray described a small café space on the main floor as a well-used convenience that increases patron 'dwell time,' a metric employed to measure their customer service goals.

While many of the features at the Darien Library exceed the program goals for the Scarsdale Library Improvement Project, there are lessons here for creating a more accessible, technologically forward and user-friendly environment. The group did note that the furnishings and interiors were not necessarily fancy, but serviceable, and that the spaces were light-filled and welcoming; bookshelves were relatively low for easy reach; spaces were designated for specific uses/noise levels but designed as flexible for adaptation; and technology was regularly upgraded to support changing digital needs. And these goals are all embedded in Scarsdale's plan.

To Mamaroneck: Renovation and Expansion Library
The group then visited Mamaroneck Public Library, a renovation and expansion of their old 1927 library building, tucked into town block right behind Mamaroneck Avenue. The Mamaroneck reference librarian, Trish Byrne, guided the group through a contemporary space that flanked the renovated old building that she felt, together, gave them 'everything they wanted.' Highlights included a full-floor children's wing with a dedicated program room; a dedicated teen zone and young adult book collection; a multipurpose community room with flexible furnishings; expanded stacks throughout; a technology lab and public computer area; a permanent book sale department; an outdoor reading deck and an art gallery. She did note that a small coffee bar area built instead of a café, now a standard feature in newer libraries, was a disappointment, but it was less critical for them because of their proximity to the many food services on Mamaroneck Avenue.

The 11,000SF expansion impressed thegroup as a handsome, modern juxtaposition to the older, stone traditional building that clearly offered the community significant improvements. It was also noted however, that while the furnishings where aesthetically pleasing, the building was dark and hard to navigate, making it less welcoming than Darien.

Scarsdale Library Director Bermel explained that, as priorities were set for our own project, visits to these libraries and others helped inspire and inform the process, noting, "Not everything we saw was right for us, but we are definitely behind other towns who have brought their library buildings in line with the uses and needs of all patrons today and tomorrow."

Bermel is committed to Scarsdale Public Library's relevance and value as an open and accessible resource, integral to the fabric of our village and our democracy. "A library is not a community center," she offers, "but it is at the center of the community."

Reminder: The Scarsdale Village Trustees will be discussing the Scarsdale Library Improvement Plan on Tuesday November 29, at 6:55pm, and there will be time for the community to make comment.

Learn more about the proposed library improvement project here:

Quick Facts and Library Comparison Chart
Scarsdale Library Improvement Project Website
Full Scarsdale Library Project Binder