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RYE, N.Y. - The Rye Free Reading Room held a special ribbon cutting ceremony for the newly renovated upstairs Teen Center and quiet space Monday. The teen center, which features brand new Apple desktops, comfortable couches and a flat screen television, was funded equally by longtime Rye Resident and library supporter Mildred Weissman and a state grant.
"It's marvelous and so exciting," said the 92-year-old Weissman of the renovations. "It's really wonderful and I'm glad we could do it."
Rye Free Reading Room Board of Trustees President Fran Rodilosso said the project would not have been possible without Weissman.
"A lot of people put a lot into this, but none of it's possible without your generosity," Rodilosso said. "This puts a whole second floor to the library in better use than it's ever been."
While Monday marked the grand opening of the space, the second floor teen center and quiet area has been open to the public for the better part of a month. Young Adult Librarian Bettyjane Surabian said that, so far, the response has been positive, but small. Surabian expects activity to increase once students begin their summer vacation.
"Our busy season is coming up," Surabian said. "They are utilizing it now but in dribs and drabs. That'll change for sure."
Surabian said that the creation of the space, which will be used for work and play, will allow for Rye's teens to finally have their own space at the Rye Free Reading Room.
"This is their room, they know it, and that's great," Surabian said.
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