Library supporters old and new marveled as the Foundation for the Yonkers Public Library revealed its new Dedication Wall on May 2 at the Grinton I. Will Branch.
The Dedication Wall is an art installation whose design was inspired by, and makes use of materials from the library’s original sunshades. The wall consists of 80 colorful plaques, customized with messages from the plaque donors – many of whom were on hand to celebrate the reveal.
“When the Yonkers Public Library decided to upgrade the facade at the Will branch, we wanted to acknowledge how important the original design was to us all,” said Foundation President Nancy Maron. “This approach lets us honor the past, while raising funds for new programming, to keep the library’s offerings exciting for our patrons.”
The reception was joyful, as library patrons and donors appreciated the installation and the bright colors of the authentic plaques. Some inscriptions honored family; one veteran teacher dedicated a plaque to his students; a mother ordered a plaque in honor of her children, inscribed with “Siblings who love the Will Library;” a younger family member honored older generations of her family who still live in Yonkers; and longtime library supporter Sherman Pincus dedicated a plaque in honor of his late wife, Joan, and her leadership of the library as past board president.
The Will Branch, built in 1961, was designed by architect Eli Rabineau, and its iconic brightly colored sunshades were a familiar sight to all who saw or visited the branch on Central Avenue. In 2018, as part of a series of ongoing and much-needed renovations to the building, the sunshades and windows were replaced to permit light to enter and to allow visibility of the grand archways that make up the design.
Following the removal of the sunshades in 2018, the foundation kicked off its first fundraiser as a new not-for-profit. Recognizing the significance of the sunshades to those who have fond memories of the branch, the fundraiser offered an opportunity for donors to make a dedication, inscribed on a sunshade cut-out, in the color of their choice.
“This installation is a unique and respectful callback to the building’s history and its place in the community,” said Yonkers Public Library Director Edward Falcone. “I think it will bring back many happy memories and spark a few smiles.”
The fabrication of the installation required the work of many local creators, including Mount Vernon Iron Works who carved the panels, and sculptor Malcolm MacDougall who designed and installed the wall.
Plaques will continue to be added to the wall. To dedicate a sunshade plaque, visit www.foundationforypl.org.
