This project has been planned carefully over many years, with major decisions made step by step and in public.
In 2019, after extensive study of renovation versus relocation options, the Library Board voted to build a new library at a new site. Over the following year, the Board evaluated 19 potential sites, ultimately selecting 75 Fennell Street in 2020. The site underwent thorough due diligence — environmental, structural, and otherwise with acceptable results for planned llibrary use. The Town and Library agreed on sale terms in 2021, and the Library purchased the property from the Town on October 31, 2022.
Fundraising began in the silent phase in 2022, and architectural design work began in 2023. Since then, the Building Committee has continued to work with architects, engineers, construction professionals, donors, and community members to refine the project and its financial plan. From early in the process, the Board has considered multiple funding sources, including private donations, public fundraising, private foundation grants, public grants, and bonding. Bonding was discussed as a possible funding option at the January 2024 board meeting, alongside other sources, and continued throughout 2024. The public phase of the capital campaign kicked off in September 2025, and schematic design was completed in December 2025. The Board began formal work on bonding options in 2025 as the public fundraising campaign expanded and formally engaged the firm Fiscal Advisors and Marketing, Inc. in December 2025 to assist with the bonding process.
The vote on May 19 is an important next step. It allows the Library to continue moving forward, complete the remaining steps, and build a library that will serve Skaneateles for generations.