The Yonkers Public Library (YPL) anounced that it received a $587,794 State Aid -Library Construction grant. The grant was awarded through a highly competitive review and selection process and is the largest annual state grant received in YPL history. It was the sixth largest library construction grant awarded in New York State this year, and will be used to help offset the cost of replacing the aging and outdated HVAC system at the Grinton I. Will Library.
The HVAC replacement is Phase One of what YPL anticipates will be a multi-year, multimillion dollar capital project in partnership with the City of Yonkers, to fully upgrade the infrastructure and interior design of the Grinton I. Will Library. “The Will Library is an essential Yonkers landmark that just turned 60 last year. Although it’s as dynamic as ever, we will need to reinvest in its infrastructure for it to remain safe, comfortable and beautiful for another 60 years,” said YPL Board President Nancy Maron.
The Will Library’s chiller failed in 2022 before YPL could fund its replacement, requiring the library to rent a portable unit to cool the building for the last two summers. The state award will partially fund its replacement with a modern, energy-efficient unit. Once the HVAC work is completed, YPL plans to make equally important, “once-in-a-generation” renovations to its dated interior, starting with the renovation of the 325-seat Pincus Auditorium, which is a venue for many of the city’s most important civic and cultural events.
The HVAC replacement is not the only facilities project at Will Library. Thanks to city funding, work began on refurbishment of the Will Library elevator for the first time in the building’s 60 year history.
“To fully modernize our facilities and give Yonkers residents the state-of-the-art libraries they deserve, it will take a combination of city, state, federal and private dollars. I applaud YPL for their energetic pursuit of state grants and other funding sources.” said Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano.
“We want to thank the Yonkers delegation- Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Senator Shelley Mayer, Assemblymember Nader Sayegh and Assemblymember J. Gary Pretlow for their support of YPL,” said YPL Director Jesse Montero. “Having strong representation at the state level helps when pursuing these grants.”
