The Fairmount Community Library has received funding for library improvements from the New York State Department of Education / New York State Library.

The funding was part of the 2021/2022 State Aid for Library Construction Program, where $1 million in funding was allocated to Onondaga County libraries.

The total cost of the Fairmount Community Library project totals $250,000.

The award from the state, in the amount of $187,000, was approved for a new roof, contemporary furniture and shelving throughout the library, as well as a redesign of three floors.

“The project is named, ‘Reimagining the Fairmount Library,’ and will bring a new, modern look to the children’s room and adult reading floor, as well as additional seating and meeting spaces on the main floor,” Library Director Brenda Shea said.  “We have hired Susanne Angarano and the team from Vaysen Studios, a branch of Ashley-McGraw Architects, to design the project.”

Work began in July and will continue into fall.

Trade-Mark Construction will be completing the project.

During construction, the library has remained fully functional but with slightly scaled down services.

A “mini-library” has been set up for patrons to check out books, use free wi-fi, make copies, and access public computers.

Library reading programs will continue, with some dates offered at a local park or alternate location. Program details are listed in the library’s online calendar, fairmountlibrary.org.

“Our goal is to open the new space to the public in December 2023,” sRebecca Ponza, library board president, said. “We are so excited to unveil an updated, modern library facility to the community. We asked the community what they wanted, and we believe this new design is an answer to patron needs.”

For more information about the library and programs please contact Brenda Shea, library director at 315-487-8933 or at [email protected].