Brewster Public Library will re-open on August 23rd

The Brewster Public Library has announced that they will be re-opening on August 23rd. After almost 16 months of COVID-19 and construction-related delays, the Library’s 2.95 million dollar renovation and addition are now complete.

When construction began in February of 2020 portions of the original library had been shut down due to the renovations. The onset of the coronavirus completely stopped construction for almost 2 months.

Now, over a year later, the Brewster Library Board of Trustees unanimously voted to have a soft opening of the library and are planning a grand re-opening celebration on September 18, 2021. 

The Library Board has instituted a policy following CDC guidelines and masks will be required to be worn while inside the building.

The new addition to the library contains an expanded main collection room on the upper level along with a completely new children’s room on the lower level. The new children's room contains two areas, one for toddlers and one for teens. A 40 seat community room is located downstairs which will allow the library to offer room for daily programs and special programs such as movie nights or perhaps some performing arts events.

The library has installed an elevator and the facility is now fully handicapped accessible as per ADA guidelines.

The upper level contains not only the main collection room but a completely renovated circulation desk and a small tutoring room that can fit anywhere from 2-6 people for tutoring or private lessons. These rooms are free to use during regular library hours but may require reservations. Check with the library staff for information about reserving a room. The main collection and community rooms have large windows which allow in plenty of natural light. 

The new community room will also be available for use during regular hours and can comfortably seat 40 patrons for almost any type of event. (Some restrictions apply.) Speak with a member of the library staff for more information on reserving the main program room for your event. The room will also be available off-hours for a nominal fee to be determined.

Board President Peter B. Carey said “The new building and renovations on the existing building came out better than I expected. Rich Horsch, the architect, did a fabulous job not only in designing the building but his expertise and assistance during the construction phase were invaluable.”  The new Library and the renovations to the older portion of the building were designed by Butler, Rowland, and Mays Architects, LLC of Ballston Spa, NY.

"Our Library Director, Gina LoPrinzo, was instrumental with the construction project,” Carey said. “Gina helped with the 2017 petitions process, getting our proposal on the ballot, and overseeing almost every phase of the construction. She executed all of this while maintaining services for our patrons. Gina and the Brewster Library staff are commended for their excellent work during the construction. From instituting contactless pick up to even delivering materials to some patrons, during the past year she and the staff of the library have gone above and beyond, and have been outstanding. I was amazed at the things they accomplished this past year!”.

Mr. Carey also said he was excited about the soft opening and looks forward to the Grand Re-Opening Celebration on September 18th. Carey stated, “The residents of Southeast put their trust in the Library Board 4 years ago by funding the project and we have provided a place that everyone can be proud of. It can and will be a great asset to the community and the Town of Southeast. I hope everyone comes down to the library to see this great addition to the community and use the many new rooms and services that are available to them.”