News Flash

The City of White Plains recently completed construction on two capital projects at the Library. These projects further enhance the Library space for all users and include an innovative shared-use function that not only makes sense, but saves money for the City. Working on both projects simultaneously allowed the City to save funds through economy of scale while minimizing interruptions to the Library.  

The first project renovated the Library's second floor gallery as well as Meeting Rooms A and B, now known as the White Plains Rotary Room. The Gallery received new lighting, a new ceiling, and restored wall coverings. The Gallery and meeting rooms host numerous library and community events, programs, and meetings.  

The second project renovated the Auditorium, allowing it to still serve as an auditorium while also being a complete studio for White Plains Community Media. The second project additionally included the renovation of a kitchen, a new ADA compliant bathroom, and offices for the Community Media staff. 

This renovation allowed Community Media to move from rental space at 4 Martine Avenue to a City-owned facility with much improved access. It will allow for greater collaboration between Community Media and the Library in generating and capturing content, supporting citizens in learning to direct and edit video, and more.  This is actually a return to the Library for the Community Media staff. The first White Plains cable TV studio occupied “Room B” in the Library prior to moving out in 1992.

The combined projects came in under the budget of $1 million dollars. White Plains residents contributed only $190,000 to the project through Serial Bonds, while the rest of the funding came from the White Plains Library Foundation, a New York State Construction Grant, and other sources. 

The project was on schedule with 90% of the work completed when COVID struck in March 2020. Work was completed in the early summer of 2021.

#5 - New cable studio set