Scarsdale Library Celebrates Opening After Ten Years of Planning and Building

Bermel Cuts the Blue Ribbon: Photo Credit Andi SchreiberIn a triumph of community collaboration, generosity and optimism Scarsdale celebrated the long awaited ribbon cutting for the newly renovated and expanded Scarsdale Public Library on a crisp spring morning on Friday May 7, 2021.

In the audience were about 70 believers who took the transformation of the library from an antiquated and cramped warren of shelves and offices to a 30,000 square foot glass and steel media hub that will serve the community in the century to come. In the process they reimagined the purpose and function of libraries, creating a model of how a library can facilitate an entire town from toddlers to seniors. The inviting suite of rooms spaces will attract first time readers, teens, scholars, at-home workers and seniors and meeting rooms will host speakers, meetings, classes and events

The process spanned ten years and encountered many hurdles. The first was to convince a reluctant Village Board to commit to a public private partnership that required an ambitious fundraising plan. A dedicated campaign committee, formed by the Friends of the Scarsdale Library, sought training in how to fundraise and then embarked on a multi-year initiative to garner $7.5 million in donations, the largest campaign in Scarsdale’s history.

Current and former Village Trustees: Photo Credit Andi SchreiberAnother hurdle included "right sizing" the project. Early plans came in with a high price tag and had to be scaled back by more than $2 million to align with community tolerances. Then ground testing revealed that site conditions would require more design engineering. Luckily, creative solutions were available at every turn, generated by dedicated consultants in consultation with a determined building committee. A bond was passed and Scarsdale donors stepped up.

In 16 months, the Campaign raised $8M, exceeding their goal by half a million dollars and demonstrating Scarsdale’s commitment to improving the library. Even when cost overruns occurred, Library leaders identified funds to cover construction without putting an added burden on taxpayers. But securing the funds was only one the initial hurdle.

During construction an interim home had to be found for the library. Another $750,000 including $500,000 from a state grant secured by Assemblywoman Amy Paulin, was used to build out a satellite library at Supply Field which served as the library’s home for two years,

Jane Veron, Elyse Klayman, Felicia Block, Dara Gruenberg, Amy Paulin, Elizabeth Bermel, Diane Greenwald and Margot Millberg

Throughout this period, a changing roster of Friends of the Library and Library Board members in cooperation with the Village and Library Director Elizabeth Bermel remained determined to meet their goal. And even when the library was finally complete in the fall of 2020, yet another obstacle fell in its path. The corona virus prevented the public from entering the dazzling building which remained virtually empty until March 2021.

It’s no surprise that many choked back tears as their dream came to fruition last week when they watched Elizabeth Bermel struggle to get through her remarks and cut the official ribbon to mark the library’s opening.

Among the attendees were the Mayor, former and current Village Trustees, Friends of the Scarsdale Library, former and current members of the Library Board, Village staff, representatives from the Westchester Library Association, neighborhood association presidents, county and state officials, library employees and community members who gave time and money to the effort.

Library Board President Felicia Block opened the ceremonies and thanked many who were responsible for bringing the project to fruition. She said, “This project was the result of years of hard work, a beautiful public private partnership, under the leadership of so many. So please forgive me as I begin by thanking the Scarsdale Library Presidents from the past ten years.

Diane GreenwaldMargot Millberg and Elyse Klayman. Photo Credit: Andi Schreiber

Elyse Klayman

Barbara Josselsohn

Terri Simon

Michelle Lichtenberg

Margot Milberg

From dreaming it - to planning it - to building it. You led us through it all. While you are not standing with me physically, you are all up here with me as we share this incredible day together.”

Dara Gruenberg, the President of the Friends of the Scarsdale Library and co-chair of the capital campaign, thanked fundraising consultants Plan A for “turning a group of amateurs, many of whom were afraid to ask anyone for money, into fundraising ninjas.” She called the process, “magic.”

Gruenberg said, “What a fantastic, albeit circuitous, journey this has been -- from the glimmer of an idea for a 21st century library a decade ago to the reality of this incredible building behind me – it is hard to believe this day has come! This reimagined library is truly the most special project I have ever been a part of. It is not just because the building is magnificent and the possibilities for the space are endless, it is because of all of you. The teamwork, partnership, and perseverance demonstrated by so many imbue every square inch of this building. It is remarkable. And perhaps, the theme throughout this chapter in our library’s history is a community coming together to reimagine its center for lifelong learning and to ensure that it will benefit Scarsdale for generations. The relationships that were forged along the way are so dear, and the magic, because really there is no other word for it, surrounding this project is unforgettable.”

Andrew Sereysky, Michelle Lichtenberg and Mona LongmanMayor Jane Veron said, “Today is a day that dreams come true. I’m overcome with pure joy and tremendous appreciation. How exciting that we’re all here together to celebrate our beloved community treasure and to mark an important moment in Scarsdale’s history. When I look at our newly renovated and expanded library, I see not only exquisitely modernized inviting space but also the embodiment of what makes Scarsdale so special: a commitment to lifelong learning, inclusiveness, and community engagement. Very personally, this gorgeous building is also a symbol, a reminder to me, of what we can accomplish when we all pull together.

Over a decade ago, we embarked on a journey. And every one of you here played an important part. To push this project forward, you shared huge quantities of your time, talent, insight and expertise. I don’t need to tell you - the path to today was not easy. There were many ups and downs, advances and setbacks, challenges and small victories. But this group was undeterred, truly unstoppable. A reimagined library became a community movement.”

Choking back tears, Library Director Elizabeth Bermel, who was with the team every step of the way said, “As I look around this crowd, which I didn’t even think would be possible a couple months ago, I feel like I’m a guest on “This Is Your Life.” Because, let’s be honest, this project has dominated my life for about a decade, and every one of you has played a significant role in some way. It’s been a long time coming, but it’s finally here.”

“The ups and downs are too many to mention, but no project can exist without them. But, really, a pandemic? There were tears, there was cursing, but there was a lot of laughter and celebration as well. The support and encouragement during the downs and the shared joy during the ups mean more to me than you will ever know. I cannot possibly publicly acknowledge all of you individually, but I echo the sentiments of earlier speakers, and I hope each of you knows what you have done for this project and for me, personally and professionally, and you have my deepest gratitude.”Jon Mark and John Harris

“….. Scarsdale prides itself on its spirit of volunteerism, and this project proves it in spades. I can’t even begin to calculate the hours your friends and neighbors have contributed to making this dream come true. And for that, I say: Thank you, thank you, thank you.”

“So, cheers to every last one of you. May the Scarsdale community enjoy the fruits of our labor for generations to come.”

On May 10, The library announced expanded in-person hours and services. Visit the new library during these hours:

Mondays: 1 PM - 8 PM

Tuesday: 11 AM – 4 PM

Wednesday: 1 PM – 8 PM

Thursday: 11 AM – 4 PM

Friday: 11 AM - 4 PM

Saturday: 11 AM – 4PM

Attend the "Love our Library" Spring Celebration for families, Saturday May 15 from 10 am to 4pm. Sign up here: