Library levy committee to host cookout on April 16

NORWALK — Notice the giant hole where the public library's front steps should be? The library trustees' Levy Committee hopes those who pass by have noticed, because the chasm illustrates the need to improve the 120-year-old structure and how crucial is voter approval of its May 5 ballot issue. To showcase what levy funding would accomplish, the committee is hosting an April 16 cookout that includes tours of both the 1905 Carnegie building and the adjacent structure at 38 West Main Street, where a proposed addition is planned. Levy committee members will point out much-needed repairs for the library and explain why the former retail space, in its current form, is unworkable for an expanded library. The library board bought the adjacent building in 2003 with the specific intent to build a new addition on the site. The $14 million bond issue would also fund general repairs and a new elevator to bring the original 1905 building into compliance with current access rules. The April 16 'hotdogs and have a look' event is an add-on to "Foxes in Folklore" presented by Ironwood Wolves/Ohio Canid Center at 5:30 p.m. in the library. Staffers from the central Ohio education center are bringing a live, wild fox to the library. A similar event a few years ago drew a large crowd. "We hope lots and lots of people — both adults and children — come to see the fox, learn about their role in folklore and culture and have a good time," noted Patrick Spettel, levy committee chairman. "And we're excited to have both the cookout and the chance to show where in the library we need renovations and repairs, along with providing a good, explanatory look at the situation with the building next door," he added. As for the main entrance to the library, the staircase will be returning soon — but not before unanticipated structural problems are addressed. Until the large stone steps were removed, no one knew that the century-old underlying structure was in danger of collapse. The Quality Masonry crew, of Marion, was quite surprised to find four piers of stacked bricks as the sole support system for the wide stone steps. New concrete-block piers — surrounded by stones for extra stability — will be installed when the project is finished in a few more weeks. Renovation of the steps and other exterior repairs, begun last September, are funded by a one-time state grant of $400,000. Norwalk's was one of only two libraries selected for funding in the 2024 round of grants. But more work needs to be done inside the Carnegie building. The library needs more space as programming, special events and overall use of the facility has skyrocketed after the pandemic, Spettel said. "Popular presentations, such as our upcoming fox visit, draw big crowds that are difficult to host because we lack that kind of space," he added. "Like the pillars holding up the staircase since 1905, Norwalk Public Library is a pillar of our community. We serve everyone, everything we offer is free. And participation in all our programming and events — from babies to senior citizens and everyone in-between — continues to grow," library trustee Kathy Root explained. "What we want to do is to be even better at our role as a community hub for all, right here on West Main Street," she said. "We're not talking about a lot of frills and flourishes for a new structure next door to the library. What we have planned isn't like that — it's a useful two-story addition that will complement the Carnegie's classic facade. "The library needs more space that the community can really use, including flexible meeting areas that we don't have now. Pre-teens and teenagers will benefit from a place separate from the Children's Room and the areas more typically used by adults, including the busy computers section," Root said. Due to required asbestos abatement, HVAC and electrical system upgrades, renovating the 75-year-old adjacent building brings costs similar to the price of a new addition at 38 West Main, she said. According to the Huron County Auditor's Office, the bond levy will cost $5 per month on $100,000 of assessed property value. The ballot issue lost by just 91 votes in November 2025. The library's place in the dynamics of uptown Norwalk is key to the city's identity, Spettel noted. "And if you care about the future of Norwalk and our library, then come out and vote yes — because your vote will make a difference," he said.