Property acquired for South Branch library

The Elyria Public Library System has acquired property for the new South Branch building, according to an Aug. 2 news release.

The property located at 340 15th St. is two blocks south of the new Elyria City School District school site and easily accessible from both Middle and West avenues, the release said.

Its size will allow for a branch library, parking and some green space.

The library’s architects and engineers are in the process of studying whether any of the existing building, the former Smith Dairy, can be renovated or whether it must be demolished and replaced, according to the release.

However, officials said the neighborhood will be transformed by the changes.

Library Director Lyn Crouse said the support from the city of Elyria was invaluable in helping the library acquire the land by allocating a portion of its federal grant money to help finance environmental testing at the site, the release said.

“The city of Elyria is happy to partner with the Elyria Public Library System in their rebuilding efforts,” said Elyria Mayor Holly C. Brinda. “We were happy to use funds from our U.S. EPA Brownfield Assessment Grant to fund the Phase I and II Environmental Studies for the south side library annex.”

The assistance from the city represented a savings of $27,000 with the library rebuilding project.

The library previously held a series of community conversations and did surveys to get input from residents, according to the release.

A schematic design presently is being developed, the release said.

There will be name recognition opportunities available for individuals, organizations and businesses that wish to contribute to the building project.

For more information, contact Crouse at 440-3220244 or lyn.crouse@elyrialibrary.org.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ELYRIA PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM The Elyria Public Library System announced the acquisition of property at 340 15th St. for the future location of the South Branch library. The site is the former location of Smith Dairy and is currently being reviewed by architects and engineers to...