Defiance Public Library hosted a community information session on the evening of January 15, 2024, to discuss plans for a new library annex located across from its current site at 320 Fort St. The session aimed to provide updates and address questions regarding the project, which is designed by the Cincinnati-based firm SHP. The firm was chosen from a competitive pool of 13 applicants and will also oversee renovations to the existing Carnegie building.
During the session, library officials shared that SHP is collaborating with library staff to develop schematic drawings, anticipated to be completed by the end of December 2023 or early January 2024. With a notable history of 124 years in the industry, SHP has recently worked with 14 library systems in the past five years, establishing a solid reputation in library design.
Community Needs and Project Features
The initial design plans for the annex include the Children’s Services Department on the first floor, while the second floor will feature a spacious community room, a maker space, and office facilities for an adult literacy coordinator. The community room is intended for library programming and can also be reserved by local government or nonprofit organizations for various events.
Library director Cara Potter emphasized the ongoing need for community spaces, stating, “A theme that has reappeared to me was lack of community spaces, so this is a way not only to fulfill the library needs, but also to address an issue within the community that has been known to us for a number of years now.” This sentiment was echoed by board member Chris Korhn, who highlighted the library’s struggle to accommodate growing attendance at events, such as a recent visit from Santa that took place on December 5, 2023.
Potter mentioned that current programming, including storytime sessions, book groups, and local history clubs, has expanded to the point where the existing facilities are becoming inadequate. “We’re thinking about sightlines, landscaping, and how to make it all fit together,” she explained. “It has to fit into the neighborhood without overwhelming the abutting housing or this building. We want continuity.”
Funding and Upcoming Events
The total estimated budget for the annex project stands at $5.3 million, with the library planning to raise $2.5 million through a fundraising campaign set to launch in January 2024. A ticketed event is scheduled for January 24, 2024, during which the schematic drawings will be revealed to the public.
“Our board has been wonderful and supportive throughout this process, and so have many of our community members, which has been appreciated,” said Potter, reflecting on the collaborative spirit surrounding the project.
For further details on the annex initiative or to sign up for email updates, interested individuals can visit defiancelibrary.org/annex. Additionally, fact sheets and more information are available inside the Defiance Public Library.
