Avon library expansion concept revealed

AVON — City Council got its first look at the proposed expansion of the Avon Branch Library on Monday. Architect Aaron Hill of Bialosky Cleveland showed a series of concept renderings but emphasized that they were just a starting point for what the library could look like if voters approve a 2.0 mill levy next month. "The design is just the beginning of a long process we will go through, but we really want to spark the imagination to the fact that this is not just a larger version of what is there now, but something that will truly be reimagined," he said. The renderings showed a building inspired by the agricultural history of Avon, with a structure reminiscent of farmhouses and greenhouses letting in lots of natural light through tall windows. Currently, the library is around 10,500 square feet. The 14,000 to 15,000 square foot expansion would more than double its size, allowing space for a young adult section, a makerspace, an expanded interactive play area for families, more quiet reading space and a meeting room that can fit 100 people or be divided into several smaller rooms. The existing library would also get a remodel to look more cohesive with the expansion, and a drive-up service window would be added to the north side of the building. The entire roof could be redone in metal. On the side of the building facing Colorado Avenue, an outdoor reading garden would be installed. Councilman Dennis McBride said he believes the community will respond well to the designs, maybe so well that the space will be overwhelmed by library patrons. "My guess is, seeing these concepts, it will be overrun and quickly the library will be trying to figure out, 'How can we get more square footage,' " he said. Hill responded that the flexible, open spaces in the design will allow the library to adapt to fluxes in attendance at programs. Some of the materials the library could incorporate include cedar board siding and cast stone panels, Hill said. Because the library is located in the city's French Creek District, its design is required to be compatible with the character of the area. The concept's focus on providing space for children was praised by Councilwoman Tammy Holtzmeier, at-large, who said it looks like the quiet areas are separated enough from the interactive play area that kids won't have to be quiet while playing. "It recognizes one of our largest demographics; that's everyone 18 and under," she said. "I like the airiness of it and the natural light that can be let in." The separation between the kids section and the quiet learning areas was designed intentionally to recognize the changing functions of libraries, Hill said. "It's not a playground, but at the same time, libraries are no longer a quiet space that you can hear a pin drop," he said. However, the foundation of a library is still books and reading materials, said Anastasia Diamond-Ortiz, Lorain Public Library System chief operations officer and director. "(The expansion) is more than doubling the collection space, for children and for adults, because we know that is very fundamental to libraries," she said, adding that some of the specific books purchased will be decided based on the interests of the community. The levy, which Avon voters will see as Issue 12 on the March 17 ballot, would raise $1,902,617 and cost the owner of a $100,000 home $70.00 per year. Because the levy also includes money to operate the library, the current 1.2 mill operating levy that expires at the end of 2021 would go away if Issue 12 passes. Taking that into account, the owner of a $100,000 home would pay about $33.24 more per year than they do now if Issue 12 passes. The library does not plan on coming back to voters for more money during the levy's 20-year duration, Diamond-Ortiz said. Contact Dylan Reynolds at (440) 329-7123 or dreynolds@chroniclet.com. Follow him on Twitter @drey1357.