Pictured (l-r): Greg Wirszyla, Library Director; Sarah Underhill; Mayor Mary Marvin; Lauren Toal, president, FOBPL; and Margaret Mager, president, Library Trustee Board.
By Irena Choi Stern, Board member, FOBPL
Nov. 10, 2021: A newly refurbished Young Adult Room opened to the public with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday, Nov. 1, 20 years after the grand reopening of the Bronxville Public Library that was financed primarily by the sale of a Childe Hassam painting. The new space was designed by village resident Sarah Underhill and funded by the Friends of the Bronxville Public Library (FOBPL).
Pictured: (l-r): Margaret Mager, president, Library Trustee Board; Jim Palmer, Village Administrator; Sarah Underhill; Greg Wirszyla, Library Director; Mayor Mary Marvin; and Lauren Toal, president, FOBPL.
“The vision of the Friends was to make this space a welcoming and inviting destination for Middle and High School students to study, read and spend time together,” said Lauren Toal, president of the FOBPL. “We cannot thank the supporters of the FOBPL enough, because it is they who made this possible. And without Sarah Underhill’s vision, we wouldn’t have this beautiful space.”
Study Carrel
The Young Adult Room originally opened on September 9, 2001 with a generous gift from Ruth Doyle. As the study habits of students changed over the years, the room was underutilized, partly because the space became dark and dated. In late 2019, the then-Children’s Librarian identified an update of the Young Adult Room as a priority, especially since students in wheelchairs found it challenging to move about the room due to the existing furniture and layout.
Work Station
“Today, students study in different ways, sometimes independently and at other times in a collaboration, so spaces need to be flexible to accommodate a variety of needs and uses,” Underhill said.
Underhill recently designed the interiors of the President’s House and the new Williams Inn at Williams College, her alma mater.
Young Adult Room
“This is such an incredible spot to come sit,” said Mayor Mary Marvin. “Like Sarah [Underhill], I lived right near my hometown library and my mom was a teacher, so I often went to the library until she finished work and I needed a room like this. I'm just happy for the young people of the village, because they deserve it.”
About the Bronxville Adult School & Contacts
The Bronxville Adult School is a not-for-profit organization incorporated in 1957 and chartered by the New York State Board of Regents. The School "offers all adults of Bronxville and surrounding communities the opportunity for personal growth through life enhancing skills and provides cultural, intellectual and recreational stimulation at a nominal cost."
The Bronxville Adult School
(914) 793-4435
email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
www.bronxvilleadultschool.org
Bronxville Public Library
The Bronxville Public Library traces its origins back to 1875, when it was a small lending library housed in a room attached to the “Bronxville Model School.” The Library was officially chartered in 1906 and moved into the Village Hall Building. The needs of the library grew with the town and, in 1942, a new standalone building was erected, which is where the Library is today. Over the years, the Library was renovated and expanded to meet the needs of the community.
The Library has wonderful resources for adults and children and offers a comfortable and relaxing environment. The Library also houses a fine art collection, consisting principally of Bronxville painters and sculptors.
The Library offers special events, art exhibitions, and programs for adults, young adults and children. All events are open to the public, unless otherwise indicated.
The Bronxville Public Library
914-337-7680
201 Pondfield Road (Midland Avenue & Pondfield Road)
http://bronxvillelibrary.org/
Concordia College Adult Education
Concordia College was founded in 1881. It is a four-year, co-educational liberal arts college located in Bronxville. Concordia's Accelerated Degree Programs are designed to give you the skills to be competitive in your chosen career or in graduate school.
Concordia College - New York
171 White Plains Road
Bronxville, New York 10708
Sarah Lawrence College
914-337-0700
1 Mead Way
Bronxville, New York 10708