By Steve Dolinsky
Nyack, March 17 — Last Friday was a typical day in the story time room at the Nyack Library where between 20 and 30 toddlers and their Moms (and a few Dads) had just finished up the half hour of book reading and singing together, when by surprise, we were offered an opportunity to tour the new children’s library. I think I was more excited than the kids.
Like we were on an adventurous field trip, we all walked over to the other side through a storage room and into another world’€¦a state of the art lobby with modern glass and steel stairs with brown Terrazzo steps, gorgeous red, orange, and white hanging lighting fixtures, earth toned ceramic tiles, and huge floor to ceiling windows. 
When we got upstairs to the children’s section, it felt as if we were entering Willy Wonka’s factory. Right away our senses were showered with an array of colors and curves and views and lights. The children nibbled on fresh strawberries and oatmeal raisin cookies in this magical place that will be engaging and inspiring them to read, learn and create. The new children’s library is what all of us parents have been waiting for. A fun, happy and whimsical atmosphere with so much room to move around (4400 Square feet), so much natural light and spectacular Hudson River views. As Bonnie Yassky, the Director of Development at the Nyack Library put it, ‘€œthe very path to the enchanting story hour room mirrors the flow of a river. And this room the library is especially proud of will captivate imaginations by providing an exciting theatrical element with the ability to change colors.’€ It’s really something to see. This unique screen on the ceiling can be programmed to a rainbow of colors and designs to match the theme of the stories being told. I suggested the adults rent out the room for a Pink Floyd laser light show.
While we there, various Library and elected officials were on hand to announce the award of a $185,000 construction grant that will go toward interior finishing, shelving and purchasing of furniture for the new 15,000 square foot addition. Some noteworthy attendees included:
Library Director – Jim Mahoney, Library Board President – Roger Seiler, Assemblywoman Jaffee, Assemblyman Zabrowski, Legal Counsel to Senator Morohan Stephen J. Powers, head of Nyack Center – Kim Cross, and Manager of Operations and Finance for the library-Stephen Hoefer. Stephen was instrumental in writing the construction grant they were celebrating.
So word is that in a few weeks the doors will open to this new wonderful, special place where children and their parents and caregivers can go to meet friends, tell stories, educate, bond, and form relationships that will strengthen our community and build a brighter future for all of us. I can’t wait.
Steve Dolinsky is a local realtor (and a proud father of a 2 year old!). You can see more pictures of the new library at rocklandblogger.com.
