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The $160 Million Library Revolution: 5 Ways The Akron-Summit County Public Library Is Transforming After The 2025 Vote

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The Akron-Summit County Public Library (ASCPL) system is on the cusp of its most significant transformation in a generation, a monumental shift that will redefine its role as a vital community anchor. Following the overwhelming approval of Issue 18 in the May 6, 2025, primary election, the library system secured a historic $160 million bond issue dedicated entirely to modernizing its aging infrastructure. This massive capital investment marks the first time since 1997—nearly three decades ago—that the ASCPL has received dedicated funding for facility improvements, signaling a new era of service and accessibility for all of Summit County residents.

This isn't just a fresh coat of paint; it's a complete overhaul designed to turn the library's 19 locations into vibrant, technologically advanced community hubs. With Executive Director Pam Hickson-Stevenson planning her retirement in late 2025, the successful passage of the 1-mill capital levy stands as a crowning achievement, setting the stage for the next generation of leadership to execute a sweeping strategic vision for the entire ASCPL system.

The New Era: Biography of the ASCPL System and Its Leadership

The Akron-Summit County Public Library is one of Ohio’s most extensive and impactful library systems, serving a diverse population across Summit County. The system is comprised of the landmark Main Library located in Downtown Akron, along with 18 branch locations, two Bookmobiles, and a Mobile Services van, totaling 22 physical locations that act as essential hubs for learning and leisure.

Key System Components & Leadership:

  • Executive Director: Pam Hickson-Stevenson (Planned retirement late 2025). She previously served as the Deputy Director and has been a driving force in securing the capital funding necessary for the system's future.
  • Main Library Address: 60 South High Street, Akron, Ohio 44326.
  • Last Capital Funding: 1997 bond issue, making the current average branch age approximately 24 years.
  • Governing Body: The Library Board, which includes key members like John Frola (President) and members of the Buildings & Grounds Committee.

The 18 Branch Locations (A Partial List of Key Entities)

The $160 million investment will affect every corner of the county, ensuring that older facilities are brought up to modern standards. The 18 branches serve communities from the urban core to the surrounding suburbs. Key branches include:

  • Ellet Branch Library
  • Fairlawn-Bath Branch Library
  • Maple Valley Branch Library
  • Goodyear Branch Library
  • Kenmore Branch
  • North Hill Branch
  • Highland Square Branch
  • Odom Boulevard Branch

The widespread nature of the renovations ensures equitable access to modern library services across all of Summit County.

1. The $160 Million Infrastructure Overhaul: Modernizing for the Future

The single most important development is the funding secured by Issue 18. This 20-year bond issuance will provide approximately $160 million to address decades of deferred maintenance and necessary upgrades across the entire system. The focus is on transforming facilities that are simply too old to meet the demands of 21st-century library service.

The library’s leadership has been transparent about the need for public input, actively seeking community feedback on the future of its buildings. This participatory approach ensures that the renovations reflect the specific needs of each neighborhood, moving the libraries beyond mere book repositories to true centers for community engagement and lifelong learning. The guiding principle is to ensure the system provides "vibrant" and functional spaces for all patrons.

2. Strategic Vision: The 2025-2026 Blueprint

The capital project is closely aligned with the library’s broader 2025-2026 Strategic Plan, a blueprint designed to guide the ASCPL’s mission. This plan emphasizes the library's commitment to being a primary resource for learning, leisure, information services, and community programs for all ages. A crucial step in this process was the completion of a Space Usage Feasibility Study in January 2025, which provided the necessary data to plan the most effective use of the renovated spaces.

The strategic goals encompass more than just aesthetics; they focus on enhancing the user experience. This includes modernizing technology infrastructure, creating flexible meeting spaces for non-profit and community groups, and ensuring that the physical environment supports diverse and innovative programming. The emphasis on robust collections of materials, alongside digital resources, remains a core component of the strategic vision.

3. Expanding Literacy and Workforce Development Programs

Beyond the physical renovations, the ASCPL continues to heavily invest in critical educational programs that address the immediate needs of Summit County residents, particularly through its partnership with Project Learn of Summit County.

This initiative is a powerhouse for adult education, offering free and comprehensive services that are essential for economic mobility and personal growth. The library branches, such as the Maple Valley Branch Library, serve as key locations for these classes.

Project Learn Services Include:

  • Literacy and Reading Classes
  • HSE Prep (High School Equivalency preparation)
  • ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages)
  • College Prep
  • Workforce Development and job readiness skills

The availability of these crucial services, complemented by the library's resources like free WiFi, computers, and printing, solidifies the ASCPL's role as a vital hub for lifelong learning and career advancement.

4. Fostering Community and Dialogue: The 2025 Community Read

The ASCPL is a major participant in the 2025 Summit County Community Read, a collaborative effort with other local libraries to foster dialogue and shared experience through literature. These programs, often held in September and October, involve county-wide book discussions and educational events inspired by the themes of a selected novel. By uniting residents around a single narrative, the library promotes critical thinking and a deeper understanding of social issues, reinforcing its mission to provide resources for learning and leisure.

The library’s events calendar is constantly updated with programs designed for all ages, from early childhood engagement to adult workshops and technology training. The investment from the Issue 18 bond will directly enhance the ability of the library to host these programs in modern, flexible, and accessible community rooms.

5. Navigating Leadership and Financial Transitions

The period of major renovation will coincide with a significant leadership change. Executive Director Pam Hickson-Stevenson, who has successfully guided the library through its most critical funding initiative in decades, is set to retire in late 2025. This transition will require the Library Board to find a new leader capable of overseeing the massive $160 million construction project while maintaining the high level of service the community expects.

Furthermore, the library must also manage other financial complexities, including the impact of adjustments to the Koha budget and other state funding fluctuations. The successful passage of the capital levy provides a stable, dedicated funding stream for facilities, insulating the system from some of the volatility of operating budgets and ensuring that the physical infrastructure can support the ambitious goals outlined in the 2025-2026 Strategic Plan. The ASCPL is clearly positioning itself not just to survive, but to thrive as an indispensable civic destination in Downtown Akron and throughout the entire county.

The $160 Million Library Revolution: 5 Ways the Akron-Summit County Public Library is Transforming After the 2025 Vote
akron summit county library
akron summit county library

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