Our new library project on Fennell Street has advanced considerably over the past year. It’s a massive undertaking, and the progress we’ve made could only have been possible with a bold and courageous board of trustees. They understood the effort required to meet the current and future needs of our community, and they voted to make this vision a reality.

As you may know, the need for a new, flexible, and accessible library was first recognized by the library board in the 1960s. Almost 60 years later, in 2018, this project finally took flight. Planning for this endeavor has been thorough and meticulous, with an investment of countless hours from our board, building committee, and community members.

Schematic design and design development are now complete, and over $5 million has been raised and committed by our valued donors and partners. Once the new library is open, the current building will transition to the Barrow Art Gallery and be preserved for community use.

Libraries play an ever more important role in our community’s social infrastructure. The Skaneateles Library is an open, welcoming space for everyone, and our commitment to inclusivity will be expanded at the new site with accessibility enhancements, parking, and spaces designed to meet the needs of a broad and diverse population, from toddlers to seniors. The expanded library will not only provide access to books, but companionship for older adults, a place for teens to do research or find refuge, a broad range of programs for all ages, technical support, internet access, study rooms, spaces for gig workers, and—by popular demand—a small café. 

The list of creative, inspiring services and programs offered by our world-class librarians is already beyond impressive, and we can only imagine what they will do in a state-of-the-art building. 

In wrapping up another year, we would like to extend our appreciation to our board of trustees, staff, community volunteers, donors, friends, and supporters for helping to bring our vision of a new library on Fennell Street closer to a reality. We are grateful to all who have helped and will continue to support this ambitious endeavor. It is truly a community project that will benefit future generations in so many ways. 

Please visit skanlibrary.org for current renderings of our new library and routine progress updates.