Library News

Warren-Trumbull County Public Library Announces Renovation and Expansion of Howland Library

(04/07/2026) – The Warren-Trumbull County Public Library (W-TCPL) is excited to announce a planned renovation and expansion project at its Howland Library aimed at modernizing the facility and better meeting the evolving needs of the community.

Originally constructed nearly 30 years ago, the Howland Library, 9095 East Market St., has served as a vital community hub. Over time, however, the way people use library spaces has changed significantly. This project reflects W-TCPL’s commitment to adapting to those changes and continuing to provide high-quality, relevant services.

The renovation will introduce a dedicated children’s programming room by enclosing an underutilized outdoor concrete space. This enhancement will provide a safer, more functional environment for the library’s highly popular youth programs while also freeing up the community room for increased public use and reservations.

Additional improvements will include the creation of private study rooms to support individual learning, expanded collaborative spaces, and a dedicated area for teens. Staff workspaces will also be reconfigured to better support modern workflows and improve overall efficiency.

The project will address critical infrastructure needs as well, 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.

The project is expected to go out for bid in mid-April, with a contractor selected approximately 30 days later. Construction could begin in June. The Howland Library will remain open for the first two months of construction before closing for approximately six months to allow for project completion.

During the temporary closure, W-TCPL will continue to serve the Howland community by adding weekly Bookmobile stops and partnering with local organizations to offer children’s programming at alternate community locations.

The project will be fully funded through the library’s capital budget. This is the result of years of careful financial stewardship, planning and saving, allowing the W-TCPL to complete the project without requesting additional funding from taxpayers.

“This project represents an investment in the future of our community,” said W-TCPL Executive Director Kimberly Garrett. “We are proud to enhance the Howland Library in a way that reflects how our customers use the library today while ensuring the building remains safe, functional, and welcoming for decades to come.”

In 2025, the Howland Library saw 46,262 visitors in the building, circulated 49,958 items, and had 3,762 people attend 245 programs. Garrett adds that the library has already seen an increase in number of visits so far in 2026 compared with last year.

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

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.