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The new children's area of the New Bremen Library features modular furniture and a stage for puppet shows and other special events.
NEW BREMEN - The New Bremen Library will open a new chapter in its history Thursday with the unveiling of a $500,000 renovation project.
The library, located at 45 S. Washington St., was closed during August as crews moved in to make the first major changes since the building was nearly doubled in size in 1990.
The building was constructed in 1973 and is owned by the village. Library officials said the project was required to meet the changing needs of the community.
While the library will open its doors Thursday, a grand reopening ceremony will be held at a later date.
"We couldn't continue to function the way we were set up before," said Beth Steiner, director of Auglaize County Libraries. "In our new design, we plan to include the following concepts to make our space more relevant to meet the needs of today."
Steiner said the renovation provides enhanced technology, interactive gaming, a dedicated genealogy area, community spaces and updated furnishings.
"It is a change from the traditional library," she noted. "There is more of a community center aspect."
One of the first changes visitors will notice is that the children's area, formerly in the south end of the building, has been relocated to a larger space in the north half of the building.
Steiner said she believes an interactive children's wall will be one of the most popular additions to the library.
"The goal is for the kids to have a destination to go and play and engage with each other," Steiner said, pointing out a stage has been added to the facility for puppet shows and guest speakers. "On the adult side, we have a really calm place over there with a fireplace where they can read a magazine and enjoy the space."
For those seeking solitude to read their favorite magazine or newspaper, the library has two sound-proof pods.
Renovations at the New Bremen Library feature a teen area with space to hang out with friends.
Another area of the library is designed to accommodate teens and tweens, providing a place for friends to hang out. A community space, which features a kitchenette, is open for various meetings.
Steiner said the project has been in the works for about two years. She said the library system aims to make improvements to all of its locations, and upgrades have previously been completed at the Wapakoneta, Minster, Cridersville, Waynesfield and New Knoxville branches.
"Our goal is for kids who come to all six locations all have the same resources, regardless of where they are from," Steiner said.
Beth Steiner, director of Auglaize County Libraries, checks the new children's area of the renovated New Bremen Library. In the background is the new interactive children's wall that Steiner predicted will be popular among kids visiting the library when it reopens Thursday.
Architectural firm Fanning Howey was contracted to design the New Bremen improvements. Steiner, who was in charge of the project, said the next step was to secure the services of numerious subcontractors to carry out the improvements.
"I have several degrees, but none of them are in subcontracting," Steiner said. "We have some wonderful subcontractors that we've worked with on other projects, and I was confident that we could stay on track (with the New Bremen renovation)."
A $200,000 state grant was secured to help finance the project. Community residents and businesses were solicited for donations to raise the remaining funds needed to make the improvements.
"There has been an outpouring of support," Steiner said, noting nearly $300,000 in donations and pledges resulted from the campaign.
Steiner has been with the library system for 17 years, the last 12 years as director. Shelli Parker is the New Bremen Library supervisor. Parker also supervises the New Knoxville library.
The Entrance to the New Bremen Library.
