Library Accepts Gift and Hosts Reception for Story Project

Former Trustee Stacey Brodsky and her husband David Brodsky have made a gift of $10,000 to the Village toward funding for a Master Plan for renovations and additions to the Scarsdale Library. Acceptance of the gift was announced by Trustee Marc Samwick at the April 28th meeting of the Village Board. He explained that the Brodsky's recently moved to Manhattan after living in Scarsdale for over 20 years. During that time they were avid volunteers in the Village where Stacey was a PTA President, served on the Board of Architectural Review, the School Board Nominating Committee, the Board of Scarsdale Library and ultimately four years as Village Trustee. David Brodsky headed the Procedure Committee, the School Board Nominating Committee and chaired the Scarsdale Bowl. Samwick said, "we should be humbled by their generosity," and encouraged others to follow their lead and "give generously" and "volunteer for the village and local organizations."

The gift will be used for a master plan for the library which is headed for a major transformation. The space will be expanded, new meeting spaces will be built, there will be improved technological features and it will serve as "a multi-purpose community asset for generations." The project is expected to cost $12 million, which will be generated through fund-raising and monies from the Village.

On Thursday night April 30th, the library will hold a reception for the grand opening of the Scarsdale Library Story Project exhibit, which tells the personal experiences of residents at the library. The public is invited from 6:30-7:30 p.m. to view the exhibit in the library's Scott Room.

The framed presentations include a description of the individual experiences of current and former residents as well as a photo of each writer. The Scarsdale Library Story Project explored the role the Scarsdale Library plays in the life of residents. The interviews were held at the end of last year.

"This exciting program was inspired by the national oral history project StoryCorps," said Michelle Lichtenberg, Library Board President. "We had a wonderful response to the project and the participants provided both enlightening and emotional recollections showing the important and many faceted roles the library plays in the life of our community. Now, those who read the brief stories can share the experiences. We hope it will provide an incentive for others to participate next year."