TAPPAN LIBRARY CLOSED UNTIL AUGUST 6

As almost 10 years of planning, designing and building come together, the Tappan Library ended its first phase of renovation and expansion with the temporary closing of its building at 93 Main Street on July 28 to facilitate safely moving daily operations to the new space, formerly known as The Stable. The original library building and the Stable, once two separate structures, have been joined to create one new building, providing almost 60 percent more useable space. Library Director Sara Nugent anticipates the building will be closed to the public for about 10 days. “During this time staff and moving crews will relocate material, shelving, offices, and documents into the recently rebuilt southern portion of the building to ready ourselves for the public.” Ms. Nugent is hopeful the process will take less time than the anticipated, and notes updates will be posted on the Library’s website (www.taplib.org).

By the end of Phase Two the “old” library’s structure will be strengthened to accommodate the tons of books (literally) and the entire book collection will be back onsite. Funds for the renovation project have come from decades of careful financial planning, private donations, and four grants from the NYS Department of Education. Through the four NYS Construction grants supported by Senator David Carlucci and Assembly Member Ellen C. Jaffee , bullet aid funding from Senator Carlucci and private donations, Tappan has been awarded nearly $500,000 to help with the costs of construction.

The project’s architect is Jane Slavin, of JSA Architects in Blauvelt with the General Contactor being Montana Construction of Congers, NY.