A Virtual Groundbreaking at White Plains Library

The White Plains Public Library held a groundbreaking ceremony for a major renovation of their building on Martine Avenue on Wednesday morning September 7th.

Friends of the library, donors, library leaders and local politicians gathered to celebrate a successful fundraising campaign that will underwrite construction of "The Hub," a new environment to meet the needs of adult patrons from 20-somethings to seniors. The project will be financed by $1 million from an anonymous gift to the library matched by the city of White Plains as well $500,000 from the White Plains Library Association.

Plans for the Hub include updated lighting and furniture, workspaces for reading and study and increased capacity for computers and new technology such as a 3-D printer and circulating i-Pads. A community room will be available to host programs and events and a new café with seating on Martine Avenue will serve as a gathering place for patrons.

Library Director Brian Kenney thanked everyone involved and said the Hub would be a space to "meet-up, explore and unwind." He noted that plans were realized through a public/private partnership and acknowledging White Plains Mayor Tom Roach, Kenney said, "We are lucky to work in a city with a Mayor who reads." He explained that "Construction will begin in September and is expected to last a year.

Diane Tabakman, President of the White Plains Library Foundation thanked donors and the city of White Plains for their "transformational gifts," and noted that the library will hold its gala on Saturday night October 22 with guest speaker Frank Bruni. She also thanked Foundation Executive Director and Scarsdale resident Nancy Rubini for the creativity and enthusiasm she has brought to the job.

Mayor Tom Roach said going to the library was "Like shopping without a credit card," and said that the community is committed to the library. He explained that it was one of the first places to re-open after Hurricane Sandy, giving residents the opportunity to re-connect. He also noted that the television show "Billions" has used the White Plains Library as a filming location, generating additional funds for the budget.

Also on hand were State Assemblywoman Amy Paulin and State Senator Andrea Stewart Cousins.