Stamford Moves Forward with Plans for New, Modern Public Library

STAMFORD – Plans are moving forward for a new public library in the Stamford, with construction and relocation expected in 2027 at the corner of West Main Street and Lake Street. After years of planning and fundraising, library officials say the project will significantly expand public access to educational, cultural, and community resources in the heart of the Catskills. 

The new Stamford Library, to be located at 139 West Main St., will more than double the usable space of the current facility, “creating a much bigger space for our visitors” according to Library Board President Barbara Balliet. While the existing library at 117 Main St. occupies just 2,700 square feet on its main floor, the new building will offer 6,046 square feet in a modern, energy-efficient design. 

The move comes after longstanding challenges with the current building, which is not owned by the library association. That limitation made it difficult to complete necessary repairs and expansions, prompting officials to explore alternatives that could better serve the community’s growing needs. 

One of the most significant additions planned for the new library is a large community room designed for use both during and outside regular library hours. The space will feature a private entrance, restrooms, a kitchenette, and access to an outdoor reading garden, allowing it to function independently from the rest of the building. 

This layout will make it possible to host events that may not align with traditional quiet library hours, while still preserving a calm environment for readers and researchers. 

Plans for the new facility also include a 3D printing studio, offering expanded opportunities for hands-on learning and technology-based programs. A dedicated, accessible children’s library will support coding and robotics initiatives and provide additional storage for educational materials. There is also a planned “teen room” and a local history research center. Together, these spaces are intended to address limitations that have long constrained programming in the current location. 

Library Director Erika Eklund emphasized the importance of improved access and safety, particularly when it comes to parking. “Our location is on a very busy main street and will soon have a parking lot with 27 spaces and a designated drop-off area,” Eklund said. 

The new parking area represents a major improvement over the limited options currently available and is expected to make the library more welcoming and accessible for residents of all ages and abilities. 

Both Balliet and Eklund acknowledged the challenges involved in undertaking such an ambitious project, from planning and design to funding. They credited state aid, along with grants, local foundation donations, and contributions from private individuals, for helping move the vision forward. Among those supporters is philanthropist Nicholas Juried, whose contributions have played a key role in advancing the project. The local history room will be named in Juried’s honor.  

Community response to the plans has been enthusiastic, with many residents viewing the new library as an investment in Stamford’s long-term vitality. 

“We’re not just building the library for today, we’re building it for the future,” Balliet said. 

Library officials expect the expanded and redesigned space to increase program attendance and attract new visitors. “We already have strong attendance at our programs, but we expect that to grow even more with the new renovations”, Eklund said. 

With additional physical space and more specialized facilities, the library will be able to host a wider variety of activities. Balliet points to a diverse lineup of existing and planned programs, including “adult book clubs, Dungeons and Dragons groups, community celebrations, blind dates for book programs, and Christmas caroling in the winter, active summer reading initiatives for children and teens, and so much more.” 

The library’s reach extends across generations, serving children, teens, adults, seniors, remote workers, and anyone seeking a welcoming public space. In a small town like Stamford, library leaders said, the facility functions as a true community hub, a vital meeting ground for learning, collaboration, and connection. 

Construction timelines remain dependent on weather conditions, but the project completion is approximately one year away. Officials are particularly excited about the outdoor reading garden included in the design. The garden will feature native plants and a butterfly habitat, elements thoughtfully incorporated by the project’s architects to support both environmental sustainability and community enjoyment. 

Library leaders say every phase of the project is being carefully considered to ensure the finished building reflects years of effort and collaboration. The new facility’s flexible spaces, energy-efficient systems, and environmentally conscious design are intended to support lifelong learning well into the future. 

As final details are completed, library officials plan to keep the public informed about fundraising efforts and construction updates. A kickoff event is scheduled for Sat., May 30, offering residents a chance to learn more about the project and see how the new library will serve the Stamford community for generations to come. 

This story was created by student reporters through the OnNY Community Media Lab, a program of SUNY Oneonta and the SUNY Institute for Local News. 

Images courtesy of the Stamford Library and Butler Rowland Mays Architects LLP.