Hart Library to close amid major upgrades

The John C. Hart Memorial Library is preparing to close temporarily as it begins a major renovation of its main public area.

The library’s main adult area will close at 5 p.m. Sept. 28, following the Friends of the Library Annual Book Sale. The entire library will be closed Sept. 29 and 30 as interior renovation work begins.

Beginning Oct. 1, limited library services will be available in a temporary “mini library” in the Community Room. The initial renovation is expected to take five to six weeks.

The project is the first comprehensive renovation of the building’s central library space in nearly 40 years and is largely funded through a matching grant from New York State Aid for Library Construction, according to the release.

“After listening to patrons through multiple surveys, the library is investing in a more comfortable, welcoming, and functional interior,” Library Director Yvonne Cech said in a news release issued by the town’s public relations firm earlier this month. “The renovation will replace worn flooring, streamline service through a single, easier-to-navigate service desk, create a dedicated teen-friendly area, and add more comfortable seating throughout the building.”

The Community Room will offer a limited browsing collection, circulation services and a reference station during the initial renovation. Some services, public spaces, collections and equipment will be temporarily unavailable or limited.

The Children’s Room is expected to remain open for most of the renovation because it is not included in the first phase of work.

The library is encouraging patrons to borrow books, movies and other materials before the closure. Due dates for items borrowed before and during the renovation will be extended, and fines will be suspended, according to the release.

Some virtual programs will continue, while select in-person programs, including Mahjongg, Canasta and Quilting, will be held at Jefferson Valley Mall, which is providing temporary space for the library. Updated program information will be posted on the library’s online calendar.

The annual Haunted House will not be held this year because of the renovation, but Cech said the library is planning a Winter Wonderland program in its place, with details expected later this winter.

Modernization work is expected to continue through at least the end of 2026. The library anticipates reopening after the main interior work is completed by the end of October, subject to construction progress.

For updates, residents can visit t yorktownlibrary.org or contact the Reference Desk at 914-245-5262, ext. 727.