Dobbs Ferry Public Library seeks $335,000 from New York Forward for plaza and programming space

Alex Peck, a trustee of the Dobbs Ferry Public Library, told the Local Planning Committee the library project is intended to ‘‘turn our library into a more visible, vibrant, and welcoming anchor for the downtown.’’ The proposal pairs interior renovations to the community room with an activated outdoor plaza and public‑art programming.

Staff displayed the project budget: a total project cost of $390,000 with a New York Forward request of $335,000 and a $55,000 contribution from the library. Project elements presented by trustees include replacing a cinder block wall with a full glass wall that opens to the plaza, adding a false‑grid ceiling that can support lighting and shade elements, remodeling a small kitchen to add a serving window, and reserving about 14% of the budget (roughly $55,000) for public art.

Peck said the design would allow the library to host larger events that spill outdoors and to offer programming that activates downtown foot traffic. Committee members asked about staffing and safety with the planned opening toward the sidewalk; trustees said volunteer staffing (for book sales, refreshments and event support) is expected for many activities and that the existing front of the building is already glazed, which they do not expect to change overall security dynamics.

Staff asked LPC members to evaluate the project’s co‑benefits and cost‑effectiveness using Mentimeter; the library scored highly in both measures during the exercise. Sponsors will provide further budget clarifications to LPC staff before public outreach events.