A New Chapter for Our Library, Written by You

Although we have used grant funds to improve our space as best we can, the current building continues to face significant challenges in functioning as a library, magnified by growth in usage, program attendance and collection and service improvements over the last decade.

The library board made the decision to find another home for the library after very serious and extensive deliberations. We are committed to providing the community with the level of library service it deserves, as well as preserving our historic building for the public.

The extensive renovations and expansion required for the library to stay in place would significantly alter this unique downtown landmark without addressing all our needs. Instead of forever altering the building to fit the library, we are preserving its historic charm and building a right-sized, accessible, welcoming library on Fennell Street.

We looked at 19 sites in and around the village and were particularly interested in sites that are close to centers of activity (e.g., schools, the Fennell Street corridor, the Community Center and Austin Park). After more than two years evaluating the options and negotiating site acquisition, we were excited to announce the location of the library’s future home in October 2020.

Many factors contributed to 75 Fennell Street rising to the top of our list, such as lot size, location and zoning. It meets all of the criteria developed by the Site Selection Committee and conforms to the Town’s Comprehensive Plan encouraging development of the Fennell Street Corridor. It will also beautify a dilapidated site along Skaneateles Creek and create more public green space in the village.

We explored several areas within Austin Park as potential sites for a new 14,000-16,000 square foot library building. Ultimately, the Town Board was committed to maintaining Austin Park’s open space and did not support the library pursuing the site.

Because Austin Park is zoned municipal parkland, converting any site within it to another use would involve significant legal costs and a lengthy process requiring legislation enacted by the State Legislature (with sponsors in both the Senate and the Assembly) and approved by the Governor – with no certainty that the State would ultimately allow it.

After the new library building on Fennell Street is completed and the library moves its operations there, we will sell the current building to the Barrow Gallery. We are thrilled that both beloved institutions will have the opportunity to grow independently. The Barrow has been at 49 E Genesee Street almost as long as the library has and will be a wonderful steward of this historic gem.

It will. Based on our most recent projections, we’re expecting an increase of 10-15% in the library’s annual operating budget in the new space.

As a service organization, the library’s biggest expense is personnel: the people who staff the building for 63 hours/7 days a week, buy and process collection materials, provide programs and tech help and generally make the library the wonderful resource it is! Even though the new building will double our space, we will not need more people to staff the library due to its flexible and efficient design.

Because things like insurance and cleaning costs are based on square footage, we do expect those expenses to increase. We also expect increased technology and utility costs, although we’re prioritizing sustainable design features that will be better for the environment and our operating budget over the long term.

This is a common misconception. The number of Skaneateles Library cardholders has grown more than 32% over the last five years, and last year we saw the highest number of check-outs since 2007. Some people do prefer to check out ebooks from us, but print books are by far the most heavily used. This is true for all ages, but especially for kids and teens.

Libraries have evolved to be places for people to meet, work, study and engage – as well as places to get books, movies, music and more. Your neighbors use the library to help their young children become academically and socially ready for kindergarten. Seniors visit for social interaction and to continue learning. Your friends want to use library spaces and amenities to attend meetings/events and to meet with others. We also help people learn to access and navigate the digital world.

You personally may not use the library, but your community does. And given all the changes that have occurred at the library in the last decade, you may not be aware of all the free digital access and services your library provides. The library serves as an equalizer in an era where digital access is increasingly necessary for all ages and socioeconomic groups; it can also be a great place for people from all walks of life to interact. The library is the only place in our community where you don’t have to be a member to come in and you don’t have to buy something to stay.

The library is a resource for all of us, just like the school district. You may not have kids in school, but it’s a benefit to all of us to have a strong school system. The same is true for the library. If it’s been a while since you’ve checked us out, we hope you’ll stop by, explore our website or sign up for our e-newsletter. We host programs for all ages, and we’re always adding new resources. We’d love to see you!