Beekman Library Expansion Plans
“Rooted in Community, Growing with You”
As we approach the twentieth anniversary of our building, we are continuing our expansion project. In 2019 the Library conducted Community Conversations with patrons, residents, elected officials and other community stakeholders. The information gathered during these conversations combined with annual statistics and staff input formed the basis of the building needs assessment. Our Expansion Committee identified the following needs:
- Dedicated Youth Services program room
- Expanded Children’s Room with enough shelving to accommodate the entire children’s collection from birth through grade six.
- Larger multipurpose room that can accommodate up to 90 people
- Quiet study/reading room
- Dedicated staff break room
- Dedicated staff work room
We engaged Butler Rowland Mays Architects to develop a Master Plan. For the past two years we have worked with BRM to develop a multiphase plan that meets community needs in the most cost-effective manner. The realities of the existing building and the need to maintain a reasonable budget have steered this design to a building arrangement which includes reallocation of spaces primarily within the existing footprint supplemented by small additions that will provide more public space in critical areas. This Master Plan will be the foundation for the future of the Beekman Library.
Phase 1, a renovation of a portion of the lower level to include a 90-person multipurpose room, restrooms, staff break room, and kitchenette was completed in early 2024. This will allow us to hold larger programs thus freeing up space on the main level for quiet study.
Phase 2 will be an addition on the east side of the building that will house an entry lobby, elevator and stairs to provide full accessibility to the lower level. This phase will also allow the lower level meeting space to be utilized for community meetings even when the Library is closed. Our Capital Campaign Committee is actively working on securing funds for this phase via NY State grants, foundation grants and the start of a grass roots Capital Campaign that will seek donations from the public. Our goal is to start construction on Phase 2 in the fall of 2025.
The remaining phases will include an expanded children’s room with a dedicated program space, a new entry area on the south side of the building that allows for easy access to the building from the existing parking lot and a quiet reading room on the west side of the building that faces our beautiful lawn.
This beautiful building has served the community well over the past twenty years. However, since opening in 2005, circulation has doubled, program attendance has increased by 180% and the collection has grown by 120%. This expansion will allow the Library to grow with the community and better meet its needs. This project is a culmination of listening to the public, recognizing the changing needs of the community and the way residents utilize the Library. It is our belief that this thoughtful expansion will allow the Beekman Library to better serve residents and continue to grow with them.
Every dollar counts.
Please consider a tax-deductible donation for the future of the Beekman Library.
