Can you believe it? Since March, big changes have taken place and we’re now halfway done with our construction project. If you’ve seen our recent photos, it looks less like a demolition area and the new design is coming to life. Now you can see the shape of the plaza and new features at the rear of the library coming to life. Keep reading to see photos and find out what’s next.

What’s next?

In the coming weeks, work in the rear will be completed to the point that we will be able to open the back door for entry.  When we reopen the back entry, we will then close the front entry and work will start on the new sidewalk and landscaping along Main Street.

A coordinated approach

Enviroscapes is working hard to coordinate their work with the State of Ohio’s Main Street paving project. As the state resurfaces Main Street, they will shut down the parking spaces in front of our building. Enviroscape’s goal is to get the back open before that work starts and then perform their work in front while the state is also working there. Crews will construct a new front sidewalk and install a low block wall before they begin new planting. Even though the Main Street spaces will be shut down, we have ample parking behind the library, thanks to the neighboring business owners who have been kind enough to allow the library temporary use of their parking lots.

When work begins in front, Enviroscapes will also start construction of the rear outdoor pavilion. Our pavilion will be an wonderful asset for events and gatherings as well as an attractive enhancement to the library’s landscape. As you can see from the photo, its design blends well with our building’s historic features.

Other improvements that you’ll see in the coming weeks include outdoor seating and tables, an outdoor storytime and seating area that utilizes the old cut sandstone blocks, and new landscape plantings. It’s going to transform the library’s exterior and be well worth the temporary discomfort.

We’ll make it

Construction is on schedule and should be completed by the end of June. We will continue to update our temporary parking map until the work is complete so check out the map before you visit. Follow us on social media and visit our project web page to see more construction updates and photos. The renovation will be done before you know it – we’ll make it through the inconveniences – and we’ll get to spend the rest of the summer enjoying the outside of the library in a new way. What feature are you most excited about?