Main Library's Move FAQs

  • General Questions

    The decision to “build new” comes after years of extensive research – including analysis of renovating our existing building as well as surveying various existing buildings in our immediate Downtown Canton area. After all options were considered, we determined building a new Main Library within the boundaries of our existing property was not only the least expensive method but would allow us maximum efficiency and flexibility for providing updated facilities, technology, and resources to our patrons.

    Demolition of the existing Main Library building, and construction of the New Main Library building and grounds, are expected to start in December of this year.

    No, the building being constructed at 811 Cleveland Ave NW (next to Heggy’s), is Stark Library’s new Operations Center.  As part of our new Main Library Campus, this Operations Center will be a non-public hub that will house Stark Library’s Bookmobiles, Mobile Services Team, Collection Development Department and more. Construction on the Operations Center is scheduled to be completed in late fall of this year. 

    Stay up to date on the construction of our Operations Center HERE 

    We are embarking on the final chapter of our Re|imagine 2.0 project and are starting the construction phase of our New Main Library Campus.  As we have developed our New Main Library Campus construction plan, it became clear that we would not be able to safely provide service to patrons in our current building during construction, so we have decided to temporarily move to 1020 Market Ave N. to disrupt service as little as possible. 

    Our Re|imagine 2.0 Main Library Campus project is being funded through both Capital Savings and Ohio's Public Library Fund (PLF). We were able to save our dollars to cover 95% of the projects' total cost, and are raising the remaining 5% through private donations.  Please note: There will not be a specific levy ask/increase due to this project. 

    Yes, Main Library will be temporarily closed to the public starting Saturday, August 30, 2025, and will remain closed for a few weeks, as we transition to our new location at 1020 Market Ave N. – reopening to the public on Monday, October 6, 2025.

    Yes, free WIFI (outside of the building) and our Book Drop will be available 24/7 at 715 Market Ave N. 

    Our Bookmobile will also be available for service, including holds pick-up, notary services, Backpack for Kids meal distribution, and browsing, in our 715 Market Ave. N. parking lot, from September 2nd through October 3rd, 2025 with the following schedule:

    Monday: 2:00pm to 6:00pm

    Tuesday: 1:00pm to 4:00pm

    Wednesday: 9:00am to 1:00pm

    Thursday: 9:00am to 1:00pm

    Friday: 1:00pm to 4:00pm

    Restrooms, Business Services and Passport appointments will be unavailable at Main Library during the closure.  One of our other nine locations may be able to accommodate your needs during this time.

    See all locations for Business Services HERE

    Make a Passport appointment at one of our other locations HERE

    Same as always – online via our website, over the phone, or in-person at any of our 9 other locations.

    See all Stark Library locations HERE