Library Awarded New Construction Grant

On March 12th Library and Elected Officials joined to announce a construction grant that The Nyack Library will receive from New York State. An award of $185,627 is to go toward interior finishing, shelving and the purchase of furniture for the new 15,000 square foot addition. Specifically these funds will be directed towards completing the new 4,400 square foot Children's Library, the Teen Room, and the expanded Adult Services level. These spaces have been designed to complement the spectacular view of the Hudson River with tranquil areas for interaction, expanded book collections, educational games, as well as more computers and software.

The grant is supported by a $14 million capital fund appropriation in the 2009 State Budget for construction and renovation of public libraries and public library systems in New York State. "Libraries are a cultural cornerstone of our communities serving as centers for information and knowledge," stated Assemblywoman Jaffee. "With a range of free services, from borrowing books to the use of computers, libraries provide an enormous benefit to everyone, especially during these tough economic times."
Nyack Library Director James Mahoney added: "In recent years the Library has been the grateful recipient of several New York State Library Construction grants, but this year we were surprised to learn that some extra money has been made available. This is an excellent example of how our state legislators have assisted the local community, approving the statewide process of assisting in library construction. We could not have done everything without them. This grant will point the way for residents and friends as we seek private funding to help close the $500,000 gap."

Concert Held to Benefit Carnegie Room

On Saturday March 6th The Nyack Library, in partnership with the Soiree Society of the Arts, presented a concert to benefit the restoration and preservation of our historic and much loved Carnegie Room. The Nyack Library is delighted to be able to provide a permanent home for the Soiree Society of the Arts which presents the Carnegie Room Concerts. Each Saturday evening the room sparkles with the talents of outstanding musicians.
The internationally acclaimed concert pianist Claire Huangci was expected to perform, however her award of the 2010 Chopin Competition and appearance at the award gala prevented her from doing so. This exemplifies the level of young talent that may be enjoyed each Saturday evening in our Carnegie Room and we offer our Congratulations to Ms. Huangci.
Fortunately, we were equally delighted to have the talents of Lola Astanova who performed a recital of Romantic favorites to our sold-out audience of nearly 100 people. Ms. Astanova was recently invited to star in a $1.6 million Classical Superstars Fantasy Concert alongside maestro Valery Gergiev and Regis Philbin. As a result of this project Lola was discovered and embraced by the mainstream media, earning her the nickname "the million dollar pianist" in the process. Lev Naumov of the Tchaikovsky Moscow State Conservatory says about her performance: "…(she) possesses a rare and truly ingenious intuitive ability. Chopin performed by Lola is simply outstanding."All those in the audience Saturday evening would certainly agree. You are also encouraged to share in the unique musical experience of a Saturday evening concert at the library with the Soiree Society. Please visit their website for more information on membership opportunities and ongoing performances at www.soireesociety.org.