Ways to Give

The new Skaneateles Library will be a place where curiosity blooms, stories come alive, and neighbors connect. Your gift will help build more than just walls and shelves. You will be building a welcoming space that will serve as the heart of our community for generations.

You can double your impact with a Matching Gift

The Library has received a transformational $500,000 matching gift. Every new gift and pledge made between September 15 and December 31, 2026 will be matched dollar for dollar. That means $100 becomes $200, $1,000 becomes $2,000, and $25,000 becomes $50,000, for a potential $1 million toward our new library. Every gift made right now goes toward the building, including future phases of the project.

New Skaneateles Library

Still Building, Together

Thanks to the generosity of our neighbors, we’ve come a long way. We’re still fundraising to support what comes next, and every gift moves us closer. Join us and keep the momentum going.

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*Funding progress shown in millions.

Make your mark on our community: name a space or item in the new Library with your gift

Think of the child who finds a first favorite book, the neighbor who meets a friend over coffee, the student who finally finds a quiet corner. Your name can be part of their story. Naming opportunities are available for spaces and items throughout the new Library, at every giving level.

$20,000+
$10,000 - $15,000
$2,500 - $5,000
$500 - $2,000
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$20,000+ Naming Opportunities

The [DONOR NAME] Skaneateles Library - Naming Gift by Discussion - $750,000 - $2 million+

A transformational opportunity to name the new Skaneateles Library and shape our community for generations.  We welcome conversations with individuals, families, foundations or organizations interested in naming the new Skaneateles Library. Proposed leadership gifts will be thoughtfully considered.

The [DONOR NAME] Adult Collection and Learning Commons - $1M

Second-floor adult collection with light-filled reading, study and work space.

Adult Collection Category Naming Opportunities...
The [DONOR NAME] Biographies - $500,000
The [DONOR NAME] Fiction Section - $500,000
The [DONOR NAME] Non-Fiction Section - $500,000

The [DONOR NAME] Cultural Hall - $1.5M

Performance and lecture space including a green room and kitchen.

The [DONOR NAME] Front Porch - $1M

A prominent, welcoming outdoor gathering space along Fennell Street.

The [DONOR NAME] Book Donation and Sale Workspace - $250,000

Dedicated space for receiving, sorting, organizing and preparing donated books for the Library's book sales.

The [DONOR NAME] Library Elevator - $100,000

Dedication displayed in the elevator providing accessibility to the second floor.

The [DONOR NAME] Book & Gift Shop - $150,000

A welcoming shop featuring books, signature gifts and merchandise.

The [DONOR NAME] Creek Bridge - $150,000

Connecting the Parkside neighborhood to the library gardens.

The [DONOR NAME] Dock Wall and Fishing Deck - $100,000

Planned creek access for community enjoyment.

The [DONOR NAME] Bird Blind and Nature Observation Area - $100,000

A dedicated place for quiet wildlife and nature observation along the creek.

The [DONOR NAME] Library Director and Staff Offices - $50,000

Critical dedicated work spaces for the library director and staff.

The [DONOR NAME] Creek Path - $50,000

Library-to-Parkside Bridge path with seating.

The [DONOR NAME] Gateway Path - $50,000

Library-to-Gateway Apartments path with seating.

The [DONOR NAME] Copier and Printer Alcove - $50,000

Dedication displayed on the alcove wall in this popular resource space.

The [DONOR NAME] Green Room - $25,000

Backstage support space serving performances, presentations and events in the Cultural Hall.

The  [DONOR NAME] Reading Garden - $50,000

Community reading garden facing Fennell Street that acts as a welcoming space adjacent to the library.

The  [DONOR NAME] Mobile Stage - $25,000

Retractable/portable stage to be used in the performance space to allow for the most flexibility possible for events and workshops.

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$10,000 - $15,000 Naming Opportunities

Living Legacy Tree - $10,000

A lasting landscape tribute on the new library grounds.

Garden Shed - $15,000

Storage space dedicated to the supplies and equipment needed for gardening, beautification and maintenance of our gardens.

The [DONOR NAME] Retreat Room - $10,000

Quiet room in the Children's Wing for nursing mothers and as a low-stimulation space for children.

Adult Wing Reading Nook

SOLD

Legacy Bench

SOLD

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$2,500 - $5,000 Naming Opportunities

Library Landscape Tree or Shrub - $2,500 - $3,000

Naming plaques featured on trees or shrubs placed intentionally into the landscape

Fennell Street Porch Table and Chair Set - $5,000

Naming plaque featured on each conversation set looking out on the front lawn

Entrance Way Furniture - $2,500 - $3,000

Benches, Chairs and tables set under the portico meant for reading and relaxing

Reading Porch Rocking Chair - $5,000

Large, Adirondack style reading chairs with featured naming plaque set on the 2nd floor outdoor porch overlooking the gardens

Children’s Storytime Area Window and Alcove Seats

SOLD

Children’s Story Time Rug

SOLD

Outdoor Water Fountain for People and Pets

SOLD

Reading Benches

SOLD

Stroller Landing Zone

SOLD

Teen Window Seat

SOLD

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$500 - $1,500 Naming Opportunities

Community Chair in the Cultural Hall

A dedicated, dynamic, flexible seat in the heart of our library, anchored by your legacy.

Mobile Events and Programming Buffet

Versatile, rolling service station transforms any room or outdoor space into an instant gathering place.

Mobile Cafe Cart for Meetings and Programs

Beautifully designed, mobile espresso and tea cart provides hospitality at community meetings, and daily programming.

Adult Chairside Table

SOLD

Adult Wing and Children's Wing Bookcases

SOLD

Bulletin Board

SOLD

Cafe Table and Chair Sets

SOLD

Children's Area Table and Chair Sets

SOLD

Children's Patio Activity Table

SOLD

Library Flagpole

SOLD

Library Visitor Bike Rack

SOLD

Reading Table Lamps

SOLD

Water Fountain + Bottle Filling Station

SOLD

Download our Gift Opportunity Information

Recognition

We are deeply grateful to the individuals and families whose generosity is making this vision a reality. Their belief in the power of the library to enrich lives is the foundation on which this project is being built.

Founders Circle

Carl & Anna Marie Gerst

The Neumann Family

David & Amy Allyn

The Bitz Family Fund

Bill & Donna Davis

Dan Fisher & Lori Ruhlman

Daniel & Linda Scaia

Larry & Janet Ruston

Gard & Lynn McLean

Steve & Jackie Miron

Elsa Soderberg Trust

David Graham Family

Kate and Jeff Youle

Linda & Dan Roche

Chris and Karen Kriedler

Norwin Hoffman Trust

Community Leaders

Monday Evening Club

Leisure Hour Club

Feehan Family Foundation

John & Marcia Watt

Kathryn Carlson

In memory of Jeanne A. Carlson

Lawrence Palmieri

In Memory of Kathy Palmieri

D.W. Winkelman Foundation

Ardia Family Charitable Fund

Jennifer Sutherland

Holly Gregg & Patience Brewster Gregg

Skaneateles High School Class of 1976

Host an Event

You can rally your friends, neighbors, or colleagues to support the library. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, book club, concert, or community yard sale, your creativity can inspire others to give. We’ll provide the tools, guidance, and materials to make your event a success.

Ready to host?
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Reach out to Erin McCormack, Development Committee Chair .

Skaneateles Library event

Tax Deductibility Information

The Skaneateles Library is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your gift is tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. After making your contribution, you will receive a receipt for your records.

Tax ID#: 15-0533566

If you have questions about tax deductibility or wish to discuss planned giving options, please contact:

Erin McCormack

Development Committee Chair