Schenectady County library expansion headed for spring completion

The latest investment in downtown - an expansion of the public library headquarters - has been a long time coming. Library supporters and local officials started talking about the need to expand and renovate the main branch more than a decade ago. A master plan unveiled in late 1999 envisioned $8.3 million in improvements to the 1970s-era building. Fast forward through many debates - and two recessions later - and a scaled-down version of the project is on its way to being finished. Completion is expected in late spring. The 6,700 s/f expansion will feature a new children's area, and allow for more computer terminals for patrons. The first floor, lobby and restrooms are also being upgraded. To pay for the project, the Schenectady County Legislature approved $1.5 million, to be matched by private grants and donations secured by the Library Board of Trustees. Reprinted from The Business Review