Retaining Wall Repairs
A portion of the Library’s retaining wall at the northwest corner of the property has experienced signs of distress, including bulging, gaps, cracks, and movement of the wall facing.
Over the last three years, the Library has engaged a professional land surveyor to monitor the wall and parking lot for movement. Over this time period, changes in the lateral position and elevation of some monitoring points confirm portions of the wall continue to move. Engineers from Simpson Gumpertz & Heger (SGH) recommend repairing this portion of the wall.
SGH further suggested that the Library prohibit parking near the impacted area out of an abundance of caution. The Library fenced off a total of seventeen parking spaces in May 2022, which accounts for 25% of the property’s total parking. This has caused great disruption and inconvenience for patrons.
Building on the Best
For more than 130 years, the Ossining Public Library has established a legacy of service, enrichment, and inspiration to the greater Ossining community. Chartered as The Sing Sing Public Library in 1893, the library began as a collection of 700 books in the superintendent’s office before finding a permanent home on Croton Avenue in 1914.
This year, we’re looking to build on our legacy with a necessary and innovative renovation.
Follow along here for project news and updates.
Our Project
This bond proposal will fund critical repairs and renovations needed to continue providing the best possible service to the community.
These key projects include:
- Repairs to the retaining wall and drainage system
- Parking lot improvements
- New heating and cooling systems
- Roof repairs
- Health and safety repairs and improvements
- Service-related upgrades and improvements
A $30 million bond proposal is targeted for a public vote in mid-September 2025. The Library will maintain essential programs, services, and staffing while the work is underway.
The average full value of homes within the entire Library District is approximately $625,000 and the average annual impact is expected to be $184, or $15.33 per month.
Public information sessions will be held in the summer; please bookmark our website for dates and times.
Anticipated Schedule
Phase 1: May 2026-May 2027
- Repair of the Retaining Wall
- Stormwater Drainage Work
- Reconfiguration and Repaving of the Parking Lot
Phase 2: April 2027-September 2028
- New energy efficient HVAC System
- Roof repairs
- Health and safety improvements
- Relocation of Teen Room
- Repurposing unused storage space into useable areas
- Expansion of front and back entries
- Adding meeting and program spaces
- Other interior improvements
