Akron‑Summit Public Library gets county approval for up to $160 million in bonds to renovate branches

Summit County Council adopted a resolution authorizing the issuance and sale of up to $160,000,000 in bonds for the Akron‑Summit Public Library District to rebuild and renovate library facilities across the district.

John Froel, president of the library board, told council the board plans to issue bonds in four tranches rather than all at once to capture investment earnings (he cited roughly $17 million in potential investment earnings) and to avoid arbitrage timing constraints on tax‑exempt debt. The board presented preliminary budgets allocating roughly $33 million for major work at the main library, about $10 million for the Springfield‑Lakemore branch (including land acquisition and renovations), and an average of about $6.8 million for the other 17 branches.

Michelle Allman, the library’s executive director, said phase‑1 design work is about halfway complete and that roof replacement and HVAC work will require temporary branch closures. She said Tallmadge is starting roof work and is closed, Ellet will close soon for a six‑month roof project, and Nordonia Hills will remain open until August. The library plans town halls and increased bookmobile service to maintain public access during construction.

Council approved the bond resolution by voice vote. The bond authorization provides the library district the legal authority to issue and sell bonds and to proceed with the procurement and design steps described in the board’s presentation; specifics of tranche timing and final project contracts will be determined by the library board and its finance advisers.