Central Library of Rochester & Monroe County
News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HONEOYE FALLS, N.Y., June 22, 2011 —When the new Mendon Public Library opens at 9 a.m. June 27, residents who use wheelchairs will have full access to the entire library – something that was lacking in the old Mendon Public Library. In addition, opening day will mark the first time in years that the library will be able to make available to patrons its entire collection of books and materials on the shelves at one time.
The library opening marks the completion of phase 1 construction, a 7,300-square-foot new building that boasts a two-sided fireplace, two study rooms, high ceilings and operable, energy-saving windows. Phase 2 of the Mendon Library project will comprise renovating the old library and creating a connection hall to the new one. Also included in phase 2 will be a children’s room, a teen area and a community meeting room.
Phase 1 construction, headed up by general contractor RB Mac of Lockport, N.Y., is nearing completion. As the community celebrates the opening of the new facility, it’s also keeping its eye on phase 2, which calls for renovating the existing 1936 historic library and the 1974 addition (totaling approximately 4,000 square feet) and connecting them to the new building.
The private “Heart of our Town” fundraising committee is committed to raising money for phase 2, ensuring no further tax increases come from the library project (other than those associated with the voter-approved $1.35 million bond in 2008).
New York state library construction grants continue to be available. The library hopes to apply for additional state grants over the next few years to complete the project.
A community fundraising campaign will launch at 7 p.m. on opening day with ice cream for everyone. The goal of this portion of the campaign is $250,000. This will complete the funding for phase 1 and start to raise funds for phase 2, which is entirely dependent on private dollars.
On opening day, community residents and members of the public can:
• Join Deric West, owner of the Honeoye Falls and Mendon Meadows Marketplace grocery stores, and chairman of the Heart of our Town community fundraising campaign, at 7 p.m. for an ice cream social and community capital campaign launch;
• Draw or write a page about the new library for a book and time capsule;
• Support the library project by buying an engraved brick for $150 (The historic bricks were originally part of North Main Street, and then were moved to the patio of the red barn that stood on the site of the new building);
• Join the Friends of the Library, a private 501c3 organization dedicated to the well-being and growth of Mendon Library;
• See the new building and learn what will be different when phase 2 is complete.
For more information, visit www.mendonlibrary.org or call 585.624.6067.
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