Catskill Library Seeks Grant Funding for Major Renovations
The Catskill Public Library is actively pursuing grant funding to modernize its facilities as it approaches its 125th anniversary next year. The library, which has been a cornerstone of the Catskill community since its establishment with a donation from Andrew Carnegie, is looking to upgrade its infrastructure and expand its offerings to better serve residents.
During a board meeting on August 27, President of the Board of Trustees Natasha Law indicated that the library intends to apply for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). This federal funding, administered by the state Department of Homes and Community Renewal, is designed to support improvements in low- and moderate-income communities. The maximum funding available through this grant is $1 million, although the village has not yet determined the exact amount it will request.
The proposed upgrades include the installation of elevators to enhance accessibility, the creation of outdoor green spaces, and a reconfiguration of the library’s interior to facilitate a wider range of programs. Christopher Leary, the library director, emphasized the importance of these changes, stating, “The Catskill Public Library is not fully ADA accessible. We really only have bathrooms and ramps to get into the downstairs floor.”
The village board has previously sought funding through the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI), and Leary is collaborating with them to submit the grant application. He mentioned that the village had been pursuing these grants even before he assumed his role as director in 2023. “They said, ‘Hey, Chris, you can apply for this grant, and we’d like to include the library,’” Leary noted.
A public hearing to discuss the grant submissions is scheduled for September 10, where community members will have the opportunity to provide input on the library’s plans. Law stated, “Right now, the village is just getting started and has agreed to be the administrator of the grant.” Following this hearing, more detailed information regarding the funding proposals will be shared.
Leary envisions a comprehensive renovation that will not only modernize the library but also position it as a vibrant community hub for another century. “Phase two of the renovation plans for the library is the truly transformative portion of the project,” he explained. This phase includes complete renovations within the building, allowing for additional programming and community activities.
One of the key elements of the proposal is to connect all three floors of the library with an elevator, ensuring full accessibility for all visitors. Enhanced safety systems, such as updated fire alarms, are also part of the plan. The downstairs area will be transformed to create a new children’s wing and dedicated spaces for young adults, fostering an environment where younger visitors can engage freely.
Leary highlighted the library’s stunning location, stating, “I look out the window and see the most beautiful view of the Catskill Mountains.” He aims to create a new staff wing that would reduce the space needed for administrative functions, thereby freeing up room for study rooms and conference areas that overlook the mountains.
Additionally, the proposal includes outdoor spaces that would connect directly to the village’s Main Street. “We want to transform it into a cool 21st-century library and learning campus,” Leary remarked, envisioning community rooms where activities such as art classes can take place alongside areas for quiet study.
As the Catskill Public Library prepares for its next chapter, the community eagerly awaits the outcomes of the upcoming hearings and potential funding opportunities. If successful, the renovations could significantly enhance the library’s role in the community for the next 125 years.
