'So excited for this!' Stark Library releases video showing new downtown Main Library
The library system posted the two-minute video produced by lead architectural firm HBM Architects to social media on Monday. It shows a three-story, modern building enclosed in glass windows. The library — to be located on its current site along Market Avenue N — also will feature a large atrium. The library system had released renderings of the new building in December. Some people on Facebook praised the look, calling it beautiful, spectacular and gorgeous. Some others questioned the need for so many windows and the expense.
"So excited for this!" one person commented. "Stark library has been an integral part of my daughter’s upbringing! She’s almost finished with 1000 books before kindergarten!" Another person said: "A wonderful upgrade for our community. Can't wait to see it gracing the downtown area."
Why is the Stark Library building a new main library?
Stark Library is building a new library and separate 30,000-square-foot operations center. Officials broke ground in September on the center and work is expected to be completed this fall. The new buildings are part of the second phase of the library district's Re | imagine project, a multi-year renovation plan that included substantial technology and space upgrades at the North, East Canton, Madge Youtz, Perry Sippo, DeHoff Memorial and Lake Community branches. The existing Main Library at 715 Market Ave. N was built in 1978 and has not been updated since 2001.
When will the new Stark Library main campus be open?
The Stark Main Library is moving temporarily this summer while preparation starts on construction of the new library. Main Library services will be relocated to the former Nationwide Building at 1020 Market Avenue N. All Main Library services will be closed in August while operations are relocated to the temporary site. The temporary library location will be open and fully operational by September. Demolition of the current Main Library is expected to start in December, with construction beginning in early 2026. The full construction project is expected to take three years and be complete by spring or summer of 2028.
What will be in the new Stark Library Main Library?
The new library will feature two large meeting rooms, including one with the capacity to hold 150 people, a maker studio, interactive children's play and learning area, study rooms, an outside story walk, a community greenspace, family history and genealogy collection, and new technology. The 70,000-square-foot building will be constructed on the adjacent parking lot of the existing library. While it will be smaller than the 114,000-square-foot-building, officials said the new library will be designed for modern library usage providing flexible spaces for multiple uses.
How much will the Stark Library project cost?
The price tag for the two new buildings is $66 million. The $12 million operations center is being funded through capital reserve dollars in the library’s capital projects fund. The new library's $54 million cost will be funded through multiple sources. A special capital fund was created for the capital reserve dollars for the new library. The system also will utilize the state's Public Library Fund and special borrowing authority through the fund that allows the building to be financed without the need for a bond levy or other tax increases to Stark County residents.