Library News

Construction Set to Begin in Mid-July for Howland Library Renovation and Expansion Project

(06/16/2026) – Construction is set to begin in mid-July on the planned renovation and expansion project at the Howland Branch of the Warren-Trumbull County Public Library, 9095 East Market Street in Howland, marking an exciting new chapter for the library and the community.

The project represents an investment of $2.2 million to add 1,400 square feet onto the Howland Library building, renovate the interior, and make critical infrastructure updates. The project will be fully funded through the library’s capital budget.

The Warren-Trumbull County Public Library Board of Trustees has selected United Contractors Inc., of Brookfield, Ohio, as the project’s general contractor following a competitive public bidding process that complies with Ohio public construction procurement requirements, as outlined in the Ohio Revised Code for political subdivisions. Architectural services will be provided by Baker Bednar Snyder & Associates, of Warren, which has led the planning and design process.

To accommodate construction activities during the second phase of the project, the Howland Library will be closed to the public beginning Sept. 8 and continuing throughout the duration of the project. Library materials will be moved to storage, and staff will be reassigned to other Warren-Trumbull County Public Library locations.

Construction is expected to continue into early spring, with project completion and a tentative library reopening date anticipated in March 2027.

During the temporary closure, the Warren-Trumbull County Public Library will continue to serve the Howland community by adding weekly Bookmobile stops and partnering with local organizations to offer programming at alternate community locations.

In 2025, the Howland Library saw 46,262 visitors in the building, circulated 49,958 items, and had 3,762 people attend 245 programs.

For project updates and more information, visit www.wtcpl.org or follow W-TCPL on social media.

About the Project

The renovation and expansion project at the Howland Library is aimed at modernizing the original 1998 building to better meet the evolving needs of the community for years to come.

The renovation will introduce a dedicated children’s programming room, a designated area for teens, and creation of private study rooms and collaborative spaces. Staff workspaces will also be reconfigured to better support modern workflows.

The project will also address critical infrastructure needs, including a new roof, replacement of original carpeting and furnishings, upgrades to the building’s drainage systems, regrading of the surrounding property to improve water management, repair of minor foundation cracks, and replacement of PVC piping in the HVAC system with steel piping to help prevent future leaks.

“This project is about much more than bricks and mortar—it is about creating a library that better serves the people of Howland today and for generations to come,” said Kimberly Garrett, Executive Director of the Warren-Trumbull County Public Library. “By expanding programming space for children, creating dedicated areas for teens, and enhancing opportunities for learning, collaboration, and connection, we are investing in a facility that will continue to enhance lives by connecting people and ideas. We are grateful for the community’s support and excited to bring this vision to life.”

The Warren-Trumbull County Public Library system includes libraries in Brookfield, Cortland, Eastwood Mall, Howland, Liberty, and Warren; a Bookmobile; Pop-Up Library; Library-By-Mail service; and a 24/7 website at www.wtcpl.org.

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For more information, contact: Cheryl Bush, Marketing & Public Relations Manager, at bushc@wtcpl.org.