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.

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.
*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+ 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.
$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
$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
$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?
Reach out to Erin McCormack, Development Committee Chair giving@skanlibrary.org.
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