North Canton Public Library reports record growth and outlines renovation plan

At the Feb. 9 North Canton City Council meeting, Andrea Le, director of the North Canton Public Library, presented the library'025 annual report, saying the library added 3,383 new card holders in 2025 and hosted a record number of programs and patron visits.

Le told council that the library provided 1,191 programs in 2025, drawing 47,549 patron visits, and that digital engagement increased to 22,873 digital checkouts. "We welcomed 3,383 new card holders to our library in 2025," Le said, noting that figure was more than 1,000 higher than the previous year.

Why it matters: Le and council members said rising registrations and program demand are shaping plans for a renovation to support more simultaneous programming and community uses. Le said the library has secured 90% of the renovation'0 funding and intends to privately finance the remainder, with no additional taxpayer support planned.

Details and services: Le reported the library circulated about 571,599 physical items in 2025, a modest decline from the prior year, and emphasized the shift in how patrons use library services. She said meeting spaces were booked 526 times and that library staff processed 792 passport applications last year, generating over $36,000 in revenue for the operating budget. Le also highlighted new and expanded services: access to the New York Times database, a partnership with the American Heart Association to install stationary blood-pressure hubs at the Civic Center and library, a teen hangout series averaging 20—6 participants, memory-care kits for patrons with dementia, a new dynamic website developed with a local firm, a digital sign on Main Street and a Stack Map feature in the online catalog to help locate items in the building.

Renovation timeline and planning: Le said the library is working with architecture firm SHP and expects renderings to be available in the spring, with construction anticipated to begin in August. The renovation aims to create more flexible program space, expand meeting and collaborative areas, and update public spaces to improve accessibility and support both in-person and digital services.

Council response and next steps: Council members and the mayor praised the library's work and noted the library's role as a community asset. Le closed by thanking staff, the board and council for their support. The council did not take any formal action on the renovation at the Feb. 9 meeting; renderings and further project details are expected in the spring.