April 10, Yonkers - On May 10, the Yonkers Public Library will celebrate the past, present, and future with a party to reveal the completed façade renovation of the Grinton I. Will Library. The event will run from 6 to 8 pm and feature live music, refreshments, and activities for patrons of all ages. The event is free and open to the public. Guests can RSVP by visiting Eventbrite: https://goo.gl/QNXvDx
Celebrate Renewal is part of a year-long series of events to mark the 125t h Anniversary of the Yonkers Public Library. It is hosted by The Foundation for the Yonkers Public Library, a new organization created to enhance the Library’s ability to provide outstanding programming, cutting-edge technology, and vibrant meeting places that best serve our diverse community. “The Will branch has been beloved for generations,” said Nancy Maron, president of the Foundation. “This event is a way for the community to both celebrate its history and look to the future.”
Festivities will include:
A ribbon-cutting ceremony with Mayor Mike Spano
Live music by The Joey Berkley Band
Children’s art project
Tours of the Local History Incubator and a chance to share your own slice of YPL history
Library card sign-ups!
The façade renovation is just the first part of what will be a multi-stage process to upgrade both the external and internal spaces of the Will library.
About the Grinton I. Will Library
The Will Library, built in 1961, was designed by architect Eli Rabineau and its iconic brightly colored sunshades have long been a familiar sight to all who have seen or visited the branch on Central Avenue. The current renovation was both a necessity (due to structural issues) and an opportunity to reimagine the building for the next century. The new design, by KG&D Architects, replaces and upgrades the glass panes, adding colorfully edged sun shades that permit light to come in while honoring the building’s artistic legacy. This project is Phase One of a long-range plan to improve the building’s exterior. The Will library, located on Central Avenue in Northeast Yonkers, is one of three branches in the YPL system.
About the Foundation for the Yonkers Public Library
The Foundation for the Yonkers Public Library is an independent not-for-profit organization, created in 2017 by the trustees and administrators of the YPL as a means to actively support and enrich the programming, spaces, and collections of the Library. I n its first year, the FYPL plans to support several key library initiatives, including the “1,000 Books Before Kindergarten” literacy program and public events at each branch throughout 2018, to celebrate the 125th Anniversary of the YPL system.
About the Yonkers Public Library
The Yonkers Public Library was established in 1893 and today is a three-branch system serving the 200,000 residents of Yonkers and surrounding cities and towns. Each year, the Yonkers Public Library welcomes thousands of visitors to engage in programs, borrow materials, and interact with librarians to find the information they seek to enrich and improve their lives. In 2017, the library had over 875,000 visitors, checked out 750,000 items, held 3,146 programs for adults, teens and youth and answered 282,955 reference questions.
For more information about the Yonkers Public Library, visit www.ypl.org .