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YORKTOWN, N.Y. An update of the John C. Hart Library would increase the size of the childrens room but wouldnt cost taxpayers anything, staff members told the town board Tuesday.
Members of the library board said they would rely on donations to fund the project.
It just needs something new. A facelift, a makeover, said library director Pat Barresi. Its been about 21 years since the last one, and it needs it.
Barresi likened the childrens room to a well-likened teddy bear. She said the busy room was last renovated in 1990.
Catherine Wald, president of the librarys board of trustees, said the story room within the childrens room would be enlarged by nearly 50 percent. The current reading room would be swapped with what are now offices. The renovation would also rearrange the shelves for more natural light, create a central reading area, update the circulation desk and add an automated book checking machine.
The dull colors and ripped carpets that now line the floor of the room would be replaced with colorful walls and new floor tiles. Baressi said several of the renovations and fixes have been brought up by parents, including rearranging the DVDs and books so children can see them and not DVDs when they first enter the room.
Barresi said the project has to wait until funding has been obtained, though an architect is already involved with the proposed project.
Fundraising plans include a concert with popular childrens musician Kurt Gallagher September 17 at Yorktown Stage, a golf outing and a wine tasting.
The library already has $45,000 and plans to raise an additional $95,000 through the fundraisers, grants and other donations.
Were just hoping the community will open their heart and their pocketbooks, Barresi said.
The library hosts more than 117 programs during just the summer weeks and services about 8,500 children.
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