The Auglaize County Libraries have just announced the completion and reopening of the New Bremen Public Library following their full renovation project. The Library has undergone many updates in the past two months, from signage to spaces, furniture to flooring. The Library has announced their Grand Reopening Open House for Wednesday, September 18, 2024 from 5:00-7:00PM featuring tours and refreshments for all residents and donors.
The current building at 45 S. Washington Street was originally opened in 1973 for the sole purpose of housing a public library for the New Bremen community. By 1990, the library had expanded and doubled in size to its current footprint to meet the needs of the growing community. Now, 34 years later the library has once again undergone a major update. Although the footprint has not expanded, everything inside has.
This undertaking was a result of generous and enthusiastic community, county, and state support. Numerous local businesses and service organizations donated to the project, as well as private citizens through pledges and one-time donations. Local support totaled over $300,000. The Libraries also received a grant for $200,000 earmarked specifically for this project from the One-Time Strategic Community Investment Fund from the state. The Auglaize County Public District Library System covered the remaining margin and celebrated the full funding of this project.
The New Bremen Public Library now boasts a fully renovated children's area with an interactive play neighborhood, browser-friendly shelves, a variety of soft and tabled seating, and a stage for amateur and professional entertainers. The welcome area features a new front desk, self-checkout station, digital signage, and seating. The other side of the library now houses the adult and young adult collections in new shelving, complete with spaces dedicated for both age groups. The adult area now features cozy seating by an electric fireplace, a coffee bar, and reservable private pods. The community room, also now publicly reservable, now houses the local history and genealogy materials as well and tables, chairs, and a Smart TV for presentations and display. The exterior also got a facelift with brand-new "Library" signage by both the front and back doors.
The goal of the renovation was once again to update the space to better fit the current and future needs of the local community. Besides housing a great collection of books, movies, and other resources, the New Bremen Public Library focuses on creating relevant, interesting, and educational programs and events for their patrons and having an updated space only enhances that outreach.
All New Bremen and Auglaize County residents are invited to stop in and see the new spaces available for all ages at the New Bremen Public Library, made possible due to the generosity of the community. You can find a list of donors, construction and design partners, and highlighted spaces in the document below. Thank you for your continued support!
