CANTON − Construction is underway on a the new Main Library downtown.
The new library, which is expected to be complete in the summer of 2028, is being built with modern features, including two large meeting rooms, children’s areas, outdoor greenspaces and new technology.
“The new Main Library will be more than a building,” Stark Library CEO and Executive Director Mary Ellen Icaza said. “It will be a center of learning and knowledge and serve as a third space where residents can gather to connect, relax and let their imaginations soar.”
The old Main Library at 715 Market Ave. N was built in 1978 and had not been updated since 2001. The building was demolished earlier this year in preparation for construction.
The new 70,000-square-foot facility is being constructed where the parking lot used to be located.
Steven Pittmann, president of the Stark Library board, said the new Main Library will help revitalize downtown.
“This new Main Library will be a community hub,” he said. “A place for lifelong learning connections.”
The $54 million dollar project is being paid for from the library’s capital fund and borrowing from the state’s Public Library Fund.
Contractor Fred Olivieri Construction is completing the construction work. The building was designed by HBM Architects. Construction began with installing geopiers and will continue with foundation work.
The Main Library is temporarily operating out of the former Nationwide building at 1020 Market Ave. N during construction.
Opening the new Main Library will be the final step in Stark Library’s multi-year Re|imagine plan.
The Re|imagine plan also called for renovations at the Plain Community Branch, Southgate Branch, DeHoff Memorial Branch, Lake Community Branch, Perry Sippo Branch, Madge Youtz Branch, North Branch and East Canton Branch, and the addition of a new branch library in Jackson.
Most recently, Stark Library opened its newly-constructed Operations Center in Canton. The building is home to several library departments and services all 10 library locations. It is not open to the public.
Public celebrates construction of new Main Library
Attendees at the ceremonial groundbreaking to kick off construction May 28 expressed excitement for the new library building.
Gary and Olivia Mull, who are in their 70s, said the new library will be great for Canton.
“It’s going to be a lot different than the old library,” Gray Mull said. “I think it’s going to be a lot more directed to what the community needs.”
Gary and Olivia Mull live in Plain Township and are frequent library users.
“It’ll be easily accessible. I think that’s wonderful,” Olivia Mull said. “I’m looking forward to all the new programs that they’ll have.”
Reach Grace at 330-580-8364 or gspringer@usatodayco.com. Follow her on X @GraceSpringer16.
This article originally appeared on The Repository: ‘More than a building.’ Construction of new library begins in Canton
Reporting by Grace Springer, Canton Repository / The Repository
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