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A detail from a rendering of the ground floor of the planned Minster library renovation.
MINSTER - Minster's Francis J. Stallo Memorial Library will soon be modernized with a renovation that's set to add a coffee bar, gathering spaces, a children's discovery area and more.
The renovations were announced on June 1 on the Auglaize County Public Library Facebook page. It will be the library's first renovation since 2003.
"The Francis J. Stallo Memorial Library has served Minster well for decades, but the needs of our community have evolved significantly. The library has remained largely unchanged for more than 23 years, and we recognized that it was time to modernize the facility while preserving the character that residents love," Auglaize County Public District Library System Director Beth Reiner said. "This renovation allows us to address accessibility challenges, create more flexible community spaces, improve technology, and better serve patrons of all ages for generations to come."
The renovations will include elevator access for all, meeting and study rooms, a custom children's discovery area designed to inspire learning through play, an updated technology and furnishings, comfortable gathering spaces, coffee bar and quiet adult areas and new entry vestibule and book drop near parking.
"While every improvement is important, elevator access will likely have the broadest impact because it ensures that every member of our community can fully access all library services and spaces," Steiner said. "Close behind that is the addition of the custom built in children's discovery wall that will allow children to learn through play, followed by dedicated meeting and study rooms, which will create new opportunities for learning, collaboration, tutoring, remote work, and community engagement.
A detail from a rendering of the upper floor of the planned Minster library renovation.
The final project budget is still being refined as plans are completed and bids are received, she said. Currently, the estimated cost of the project, including the new elevator, is in the range of $1.8 million.
Funding will come through a combination of community donations, library resources, grants, community partnerships and private donations, she added. The renovation campaign is being coordinated through the Minster Community Fund, which she said will allow residents, businesses and organizations to invest directly in the future of their library.
The project was designed by Minster-based engineering firm Garmann Miller.
Steiner said it will go out to bid in the winter, adding that her hope is renovations will start in late winter or early spring.
Officials are hoping to minimize disruptions as much as possible during construction, Steiner said.
"Detailed construction schedules are still being developed, but we are committed to maintaining access to library services throughout the project whenever feasible," she said. "If temporary closures or service adjustments become necessary, we will communicate them well in advance and provide alternative ways for patrons to access library materials and services."
While plenty of modern amenities are will be added during the renovations, Steiner said preserving the historic character of the Kramer Building has been a guiding principle throughout the project planning process.
"Rather than replacing the building's identity, we're enhancing it. The renovation will retain the architectural features and community character that make the library special while introducing modern amenities, improved accessibility, updated furnishings, and flexible spaces that support today's library services," she said. "The goal is to honor the past while preparing for the future."
The Francis J. Stallo Memorial Library began in the basement of the Minster State Bank in 1963 and moved into the historic 1912 Kramer Building in 1976, she said. The last major renovation occurred in 2003, with an expansion that nearly doubled its size.
More than 23 years later, officials are preparing for its next chapter.
"This library belongs to the community. For more than 60 years, generations of Minster residents have learned, connected, and created memories here. This renovation is about ensuring that future generations have those same opportunities. Every donation, every partnership, and every show of support helps us preserve an important part of Minster's history while creating a library that meets the needs of today and tomorrow," Steiner said. "Together, we're not simply renovating a building-we're investing in the future of our community."
More information, project updates and ways to donate can be found on the Auglaize County Public Library Facebook page.
