Scarsdale Public Library Unveils Exciting Landscaping Plans

The Library in the Park Landscape Project has achieved an exciting new milestone with the approval of the schematic design by the Library Board at their meeting on October 7, 2024. This significant step brings the vision of a beautifully enhanced library campus closer to reality, offering a welcoming space for community programs, social gatherings, and events that will serve the entire Scarsdale community for generations to come.

Since the campaign’s launch, the Friends of Scarsdale Library have successfully raised over $2 million through private funds, reflecting the generosity and commitment of the community. The Library and the Friends are profoundly grateful for this extraordinary support, which will make this transformative project possible.

The upcoming phase of the project will focus on design development, including a new pavilion—an open-air structure equipped with lighting, audiovisual systems, ceiling fans, and heaters, enabling its use for nearly nine months of the year. The pavilion will serve as a flexible venue for a variety of events such as book talks, children’s programming, lectures, movie nights, and other community gatherings.

Adjacent to the pavilion, a plaza with outdoor seating will be created, offering small tables and chairs for casual use, and overflow seating for larger events. Importantly, these new features will not impact the library's existing 114 parking spaces, ensuring ease of access for all visitors.

In addition to the pavilion and plaza, the project will include a performance patio outside the children’s room, designed to host performances, music recitals, author talks, and children’s events. A StoryWalk will also be added, providing an interactive outdoor reading experience, and a stroller- and wheelchair-accessible pathway will be constructed around the library, ensuring inclusivity for all members of the community.

As part of the library’s ongoing commitment to safety and environmental stewardship, a low stone wall will be built along Olmsted Road to enhance safety for those utilizing the lawn. Garden lounges will also be installed throughout the property to create quiet spaces for conversation or personal reflection. Additionally, the brook near the parking lot exit will be cleaned up, and a split rail fence will be installed for added safety. Invasive species on the property will be removed and replaced with native species, and the library’s rain gardens will be revitalized to further enhance the natural beauty of the landscape.

“This is an exciting moment for the Scarsdale Public Library,” said Library Director Beth Bermel. “We are grateful for the continued support of our community as we work together to create a more vibrant, welcoming space for residents of all ages to enjoy. These additions will provide new opportunities for education, entertainment, and connection, and we can’t wait to see them come to life.”

For more information about the project, or to learn how you can contribute, click here or contact foslpresident@gmail.com.