In 2019, the Library surveyed Louisville and Nimishillen Township residents. One question asked, “How important is a high-quality public library to the attractiveness of a community?" The vast majority of respondents - 87% - indicated that a library was either very important or somewhat important to the attractiveness of a community.
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Exterior rendering of the new Library at Metzger Park.
Q: Why build a new Library in Metzger Park?
To begin, we looked at options all around Louisville and determined that Metzger Park would be an optimal location because of the ability to share resources with the city, as well as provide Library services near the park, the YMCA, and the schools.
We also looked at the success of the Jackson Township and Perry-Sippo Libraries, both of which are built in parks. The possibilities really are outstanding - imagine nature programs, birding, summer programs on the amphitheater, the Library within walking distance of the schools and YMCA, and bikes, disc golf equipment, and ice skates that could all be borrowed from the Library and used in the park.
A new Library, designed to blend into the natural landscape, becomes an asset to the park.
Q: What is the inspiration for the design of the building?
The building design draws inspiration from the land on which it will be built. Board and batten vinyl siding will adorn the 10,000 sq. ft. structure, with a metal roof atop. The front stone facade will match the popular stone wall in the park that still remains from the former Metzger Farm.
The Library will blend into the natural prairie landscape of the park, while paying homage to the former agricultural use of the property. Several natural garden areas will transition from the more manicured areas of the Library to the wide-open prairie ecosystem of the park. All of these areas will provide opportunities for programs and Library services.
An aerial image of the Metzger Farm that existed on the property, prior to becoming a park.
Q: Why does the Library need so much space in the park?
The Library requires only one acre of the 88-acre park. The remainder of the site is being improved for a parking lot and baseball fields - it belongs to the City of Louisville. The City of Louisville's site is highlighted in blue and was going to happen regardless of the Library.
Q: Did the City decide to build the parking lot for the Library?
Quite the opposite. The City released the below plan after receiving a grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Library administration and the Board of Trustees evaluated many sites over the years and determined that Metzger Park would be the most cost-effective and impactful site for the new Library.
Q: Why is it cost-effective?
The Library and City agreed to exchange the property and building at 504 E Main Street, more commonly known as the "Green Space" and Discovery Center, for a 99-year lease at Metzger Park on which a new library facility will be constructed. In this exchange, the Library will also receive use of an approximately 150-space parking lot to be constructed by the City, as well as collaborating on the utilization of existing and previously planned infrastructure improvements in the park, such as storm water management and utilities. The City has also agreed to take care of mowing around the new Library.
Q: How is the Library going to pay for it?
The Library will NOT ask for a new levy. As the Library has been trying to build over the years, we have saved money and will borrow the remaining amount. This is a commonly-used option for libraries that do not want to ask for a levy, and was recently used by the Stark Library during their most recent renovations.
The Library is also undertaking a capital campaign to raise funds, which currently stands at over $617,000.
Finally, the agreement with the City allows the Library to focus all of our money and efforts on the building itself, which significantly reduces the cost of this project.
Q: Who is building the new Library?
The Library has hired Caplea Studio Architects and Fred Olivieri Construction Company.
Q: When will the new Library be finished?
Construction can be very weather-dependent, but we plan to be open in the first quarter of 2025.
Q: Why not stay in the current building at 700 Lincoln Avenue?
The current building no longer fits the needs of a 21st century library. Just in the last few years, there have been electrical issues as well as roof leaks that shut down the Teen Department for months. The building is not fully ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant, so some patrons are unable use the facility's second floor.
Plus, we would love to have all of our staff and facilities in one place. This would lessen the confusion over where programs are held, and make it easier for patrons attending programs to also pick out materials to check out and take home. Lastly, maintaining two old buildings has become not only inconvenient, but costly.
Q: What was done for the birds?
The Library worked with local bird enthusiasts and naturalists to reduce the impact as much as possible. Prior to nest-building season, the Library removed all Bluebird houses on the site so that nesting was not disturbed during construction. The houses will be reinstalled after construction is complete.
Q: There were so many trees taken out.
Yes, trees were removed for construction. However, even more trees will be planted around the new Library. We've worked extensively with a local naturalist as well as a local greenhouse owner to select ONLY native plantings to adorn the new Library and grounds. The plants and trees around the Library will enhance the natural prairie landscape of the park once it's finished.
Q: Were memorial trees removed?
The Library site had one memorial tree. Library leadership worked with the person who donated the tree well in advance of the tree being taken down. The tree was milled in Louisville and the lumber is currently being dried. The boards from the tree will create a few special items for the donor and several kid-sized picnic tables for the patios at the new Library.
Q: What will happen with the walking paths?
The walking trails will be restored and will connect to the new Library so you can easily stop by on your walk!
Q: What will happen to the current Library?
The Board of Education helped pay for the current Library when it was constructed in the 1960s. When the Library moves, Louisville City Schools will take ownership of the building.
