WARREN, Ohio – The Warren-Trumbull County Public Library on Tuesday announced a planned renovation and expansion project at its Howland Library to modernize the facility and better meet the evolving needs of the community.
The library at 9095 E. Market St. was built nearly 30 years ago. The renovation will introduce a dedicated children’s programming room by enclosing an underused outdoor concrete space. This enhancement will provide a safer, more functional environment for the library’s youth programs while also freeing up the community room for increased public use and reservations, a news release states.
Additional improvements will include the creation of private study rooms to support individual learning, expanded collaborative spaces and a dedicated area for teens. Staff workspaces will also be reconfigured to better support modern workflows and improve overall efficiency, according to the release.
The project will address critical infrastructure needs as well, including a new roof, replacement of original carpeting and furnishings, upgrades to the building’s drainage systems, regrading of the surrounding property to improve water management, repair of minor foundation cracks and replacement of PVC piping in the HVAC system with steel piping to help prevent future leaks.
“This project represents an investment in the future of our community,” said Kimberly Garrett, executive director of the Warren-Trumbull County Public Library. “We are proud to enhance the Howland Library in a way that reflects how our customers use the library today while ensuring the building remains safe, functional and welcoming for decades to come.”
The project is expected to go out for bid in mid-April, with a contractor selected approximately 30 days later. Construction could begin in June, the release states. The Howland Library will remain open for the first two months of construction before closing for approximately six months to allow for completion of the project.
During the temporary closure, the Warren-Trumbull County Public Library will continue to serve the Howland community by adding weekly Bookmobile stops and partnering with local organizations to offer children’s programming at alternate community locations.
The project will be fully funded through the library’s capital budget, the release states.
Pictured at top: Photo via Facebook | Warren-Trumbull County Public Library System.