Honoring the Library Using Reclaimed 1961 Sunshades from Library’s Original Facade
Yonkers, NY, April 24, 2019 - On Thursday, May 2 The Foundation for the Yonkers Public Library will reveal its Dedication Wall to the public with an unveiling ceremony at the Grinton I. Will Branch. The Dedication Wall is an art installation whose design was inspired by, and makes use of materials from the Library’s original sunshades. The unveiling will take place at 4pm in the lobby of Grinton I. Will Branch. Refreshments will be served.
The Will Branch, built in 1961, was designed by architect Eli Rabineau, and its iconic brightly colored sunshades were a familiar sight to all who saw or visited the branch on Central Avenue. In 2018, as part of a series of ongoing and much-needed renovations to the building, the sunshades and windows were replaced to permit light to enter and to allow visibility of the grand archways that make up the design.
Following the removal of the sunshades in 2018, the Foundation kicked off its first fundraiser as a new not-for-profit. Recognizing the significance of the sunshades to those who have fond memories of the branch, the fundraiser offered an opportunity for donors to make a dedication, inscribed on a sunshade cut-out, in the color of their choice.
“When the Yonkers Public Library decided to upgrade the facade at the Will branch, we wanted to acknowledge how important the original design was to us all,” said Foundation president Nancy Maron. “This approach lets us honor the past, while raising funds for new programming, to keep the library’s offerings exciting for our patrons.”
“This installation is a unique and respectful callback to the building’s history and its place in the community,” added YPL director Edward Falcone. “I think it will bring back many happy memories and spark a few smiles.”
The fabrication of the installation required the work of many local creators, including Mount Vernon Iron Works, who carved the panels and sculptor Malcolm MacDougall who designed and installed the wall.
To dedicate a sunshade plaque visit www.foundationforypl.org.
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