Nyack Library Construction Expected to Finish this Fall

If you've checked out a library book in Nyack over the past three years, you may have done it to yellow tape. But this fall, Nyack Public Library's atmosphere will return to normal—a significantly improved normal.

Nyack Public Library's current renovation—a project that began on October 15, 2007 and will double the size of the previous facility—is set to finish this fall.

"We're in the final three months of the project," said James Mahoney, the library's director. "Almost all the heavy construction work has been done."

The library concluded the construction of the new structure this April, and immediately set to work transferring materials. The library closed its doors for two weeks, transporting books to new shelves.

Now, the new, expanded library features a teen room and an enlarged children's area—complete with a craft room and story room with an LED ceiling that projects patterns.

"There won't be anymore competing for room to hold programs and activities," said Stephen Hoefer, the library's manager of operations and finance.

The current construction will yield an expanded computer lab (the library will jump from 17 computer to 40), graphic and audio computer rooms, tutoring areas, a paid parking lot and an expanded local history room.

"The local history room is operated with the help of the Rockland Historical Society," Hoefer explained. "It will have historical artifacts and clippings, maps and yearbooks."

The library will also incorporate a small café for patrons.

"It's a place for people to have a cup of coffee or a snack," Hoefer said. "Library's aren't what they used to be—we're not going prevent people from eating and drinking. This new library is more like a community center."

Nyack's library has a history of expansion. The original structure—what is now the Carnegie Room—was built in 1903 with a $15,000 donation from philanthropist Andrew Carnegie.

(An interesting note: it recently cost the library $45,000 to install new doors in the Carnegie Room—three times the original cost of the entire structure).

The library underwent a major addition in 1974, and again in 1992. And when room for expansion was exhausted, the library purchased three adjacent properties.

This project cost approximately $9 million dollars, funds the library received through bonds issued by the Rockland County Industrial Development Agency. The bonds will be paid off over the next 30 years out of the library's operating budget.

Eco-friendly initiatives have been a large part of the library's current expansion.

"We tried to be as green as possible in building the new structure," Mahoney said. Eighty percent of the library's heating and cooling is now geothermal, and earth-friendly construction materials were used whenever possible. Additionally, the library has instituted energy-saving lighting methods.

With construction winding down, residents can look forward to a grand opening in the near future.

"There will be a welcoming event," Mahoney said. "We're still waiting on a date."