The John C. Hart Memorial Library is undergoing an interior renovation—the first comprehensive update to the main public area of the building in nearly 40 years! Funded in large part through New York State Aid for Library Construction, this project will create a more welcoming, functional, and accessible library experience. Improvements include:
New carpeting and tile flooring
A centrally located, combined service desk
A dedicated teen area
A new reading lounge
An information wall
Updated furnishings throughout the library
Additional improvements to enhance comfort, usability, and service
The main adult area of the library will close at 5:00 p.m. on September 28. The library will be fully closed for two days from September 28 through September 30 while the renovation work begins.
Beginning October 1, the library is expected to reopen in a temporary, modified format. The Community Room will serve as a “mini library,” with a small browsing collection, circulation service, and a reference station. The Children’s Room is expected to remain open for most of the renovation period.
The primary renovation work is expected to take approximately 5 – 6 weeks. We anticipate reopening the renovated main adult area to the public by the end of October, although the timeline may change as work progresses.
Please check this website and the library calendar for current information or call the Reference
Desk, (914) 245-5262 x 727, with questions.
To the extent that it is possible, and except as already noted above, the library will have normal operating hours. But please check our website as that could change.
While work is underway, we will continue providing as many services as possible from our
temporary location but many services will be unavailable or limited. Available services are
expected to include:
Borrowing and returning library materials
Picking up holds, except during the full closure from September 28–30
Limited browsing of selected materials
Basic reference assistance – call us! Staff will be working throughout the renovation.
Access to the Children’s Room for most of the project
Some services, collections, public seating, computers, and meeting spaces will be temporarily
unavailable or limited. We appreciate your patience as staff work to maintain service during
construction.
You do not need to return materials immediately.
Due dates for items checked out from John C. Hart Memorial Library with due dates of September 28 or later will be automatically extended to November 30th. No overdue fines will be charged on John C. Hart Memorial Library materials from September 28 through November 30, 2026.
You may continue returning materials:
At the library’s regular book return – except for 9/29 & 9/30
At the Town Hall book return bin – except for 9/29 & 9/30
At any Westchester Library System library
We encourage you to visit us before the temporary closure to stock up on books, movies, and other materials. Your extended due dates and fine-free period will give you extra time to enjoy them while the renovation is underway.
You will be able to pick up holds and borrow materials at the library except during the complete closure from September 28, at 5:00 pm through September 30.
During the renovation, hold pickup and circulation services will be available in the Community Room Mini Library.
Your John C. Hart Memorial Library card is valid at all 38 Westchester Library System member libraries. We encourage you to borrow and pick up materials at another participating library during the renovation whenever possible.
Select virtual programs will continue during the renovation. Please visit the library calendar for updated information.
Some ongoing programs, including Mahjongg, Canasta, and Quilting will be held at the Jefferson Valley Mall. We are grateful to the Mall for partnering with us to provide community space during this temporary disruption. Please visit the library calendar for updated information.
Please note that the annual Haunted House will not take place this year due to the renovation. Instead, we are planning a special Winter Wonderland program for this winter. More details will be announced soon.
Emails will be sent out, our website will have updates and don’t forget to sign up for our
newsletter here.
This project is being funded largely through a matching grant from New York State Aid for
Library Construction, a generous private donation, and through other grants from our NYS Representatives.
After listening to patrons through multiple surveys, the Library is investing in a more comfortable, welcoming, and functional interior.
You spoke. We listened.
Yvonne Cech, Library Director
