Scarsdale Library's Landscape Project Breaks Ground

Privately Funded Initiative Will Add New Outdoor Community Spaces

The Scarsdale Library officially broke ground on its new Library in the Park landscape project on June 29, 2026 marking the start of a transformative expansion that will create vibrant outdoor community spaces, and is expected to take approximately six months to complete.

More than 50 attendees, including members of the Landscape Committee, current and former Library Board members, Village trustees and staff, Library administration and staff, project engineers, designers, advisors, Friends of the Scarsdale Library, and generous donors, came together for the groundbreaking ceremony held at the site of the future plaza. The project, made possible entirely through private donations, represents a significant investment in expanding the Library's ability to serve the community.

Guests enjoyed refreshments provided by Boleria Brazilian Bakery Café at the Library before hearing remarks from Library Board President Diksha Mudbhary, Mayor Justin Arest, Library Director Beth Bermel, Friends of the Scarsdale Library Co-Presidents Daniela Retelny and Toby Milstein Schulman, and Deputy Mayor Dara Gruenberg.

Library Board President, Diksha Mudbhary opened the ceremony thanking all in attendance. She also noted how fitting this project is for the library. "Libraries have always been places where people come to discover, learn and connect. Today they are also vibrant civic spaces that bring communities together in new and meaningful ways. The Library in the Park reflects this evolution beautifully."

Phase One of the project will feature a new outdoor pavilion and plaza, adding approximately 60 outdoor seats for gathering, programming, and community events while preserving all 114 existing parking spaces. The project also includes a renovated main entrance with new seating walls and a reconfigured traffic flow designed to improve accessibility and enhance the visitor experience.

Key contributors to the project include the Library's Landscape Project Committee, co-chaired by Margot Milberg and Terry Singer; Village Capital Project Manager Paul Zaicek; Department of Public Works Superintendent Jeff Coleman; Landscape Architect Donna Maiello and her team at DTS Provident Design; Greg Bencivengo and Hayes and James Slade of Slade Architecture; construction managers Nancy Barbera and Dean Sproch of Savin Engineers; general contractors Richard and Joe Abirzk of AR Brothers Construction; and Brian Adwar and Paul Amato of Adwar Video.

Library officials emphasized that the project has been thoughtfully designed to maintain existing parking capacity while improving the campus's accessibility, functionality, and appearance.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mayor Justin Arest said the project reflects the values that have long defined the Scarsdale community. "Seeing generation after generation using the same library is a wonderful reminder of why places like this matter," he said. "Today's celebration is about more than just an incredible, beautiful landscaping project. It is another example of what makes Scarsdale so special. Dedicated volunteers, outstanding staff, generous donors, and talented professionals all coming together to make projects like these possible. That spirit of partnership and generosity is one of our community's greatest strengths."

Friends of the Scarsdale Library Co-President Daniela Retelny also recognized the extraordinary generosity of the community members who made the project possible. "We are deeply grateful to every individual and family who contributed to making this vision a reality," she said.

The Friends of the Scarsdale Library raised more than $2.2 million through the Library in the Park capital campaign to support the initiative. The new open air pavilion will feature lighting, audiovisual technology, ceiling fans, and heaters, allowing it to host programs and community events throughout much of the year. The space is expected to host book talks, children’s events, lectures, movies, and other Library programs.

Library Director Beth Bermel credited the Library's staff with building the community support that helped make the project possible. "I would be remiss if I didn't acknowledge the Library staff, "she said. "They are the reason that the Scarsdale community supports the Library so robustly. Having a building, or a pavilion, or even books on the shelves means nothing without dedicated, welcoming, responsive staff in all departments striving to meet community needs and high standards. The hard work of Library staff inspires confidence in the institution, and for this I am grateful."

She also expressed appreciation for the community members whose philanthropy funded the entire project. "A heartfelt thank you to the Friends of the Scarsdale Library and our amazing, generous donors," Bermel said. "We could not do this without you."

A second phase of the project, currently anticipated to begin in 2027, will introduce additional landscape and environmental improvements, including a StoryWalk®, garden lounges, invasive species removal, expanded sidewalks, upgraded stormwater infrastructure, and a redesigned refuse area.

Together, these enhancements will transform the Library campus into a welcoming outdoor destination that extends Library programming beyond its walls while creating new opportunities for learning, gathering, and community connection for generations to come.