Learning how to be curious. Discovering new worlds. Exploring new ideas. At the Palisades Free Library, the Children’s Room has always been a place where curiosity can grow.
After four years of planning and fundraising, on November 11th, the much-anticipated renovation of our Children’s Room began with the removal of the collection and furniture. By adding a 200-square-foot, one-story addition to the lower-level room we will resolve our flooding issues and create more space for children’s activities like open play and storytime. A complete interior redesign will transform the main room into an engaging environment that encourages creativity and reflects the unique character of our wonderful community.
Although the Children’s Room will be closed for approximately three months during construction, we’ll continue to welcome young readers upstairs in the community room to read, play, and study. We’ll also offer a thoughtfully curated selection of new and classic books for borrowing. And if a child is looking for a particular title, we can arrange to have it transferred from another library for pick-up here.
We also are continuing with our enriching schedule of programming for children through the renovation including our weekly storytime for toddlers.
A state grant will cover up to 50% of this important project, and we’re working to raise the remaining funds through community support and donations. Your gift will help turn this vision into reality and ensure that our youngest community members have a space where imaginations flourish and a lifelong love of learning takes root.
Please consider making a tax-deductible contribution by check or by credit card by clicking on the donate button on our website. Our historic library is a vibrant and cherished part of the Palisades community, and together, we can ensure that the Children’s Room continues to serve as a hub for discovery for generations to come!
FAQ
How long is the project expected to take?
The best estimate is 3 months
Will the library have to close for any period of time?
We do not anticipate any closures but unexpected things can happen during construction. We will inform the community of any closures through the website, emails, and social media.
Will parking be available during the construction?
A portion of the lot will be set aside for the construction crew. Parking will be available, but even more limited. As always, it is legal to park on the West side of Closter Road and on Fern Road.
Will the weekly storytime and other programs continue during construction?
We will hold our enriching schedule of programming for children in the community room throughout the renovation including our weekly storytime for toddlers.
Will the weekly yoga class be disrupted?
With the exception of any potential unforeseen closures, the weekly yoga program will continue. We hope that noise from the construction won’t be too disruptive to the class. Please give yourself extra time to park and walk to the library.
Can I still check out children’s materials?
We will offer a thoughtfully curated selection of new and classic books for borrowing. If a child is looking for a particular title, we can arrange to have it transferred from another library for pick-up here.
How was this project funded?
The library received $125,000 in Library Construction Aid from NYS. We received generous donations from Colin Jost and Scarlett Johansson, the estate of Geraldine Miras, and others and we continue to solicit donations from members of the community. Click here to make a one-time tax deductible donation.
Who is the architect and construction company?
The addition was designed by architect Michael Esmay who also designed the major renovation in the 1990s. The construction company is Galway Bay Construction, Inc who has worked on other libraries in Rockland County such as the Valley Cottage Library and the Finkelstein Memorial Library in Spring Valley.