Gnadenhutten Public Library renovation creates welcoming community hub

The Gnadenhutten Public Library made some renovations to their space in 2025 that were specially designed to foster a sense of community. 

“My vision for a library is a community hub that's a modern library, a place you land. And this library previously had nowhere for people to be comfortable. We had no seating. We had nothing that was welcoming,” April King, library director, said. “It was a wonderful warehouse of books, but nothing said, please stay.”

Though books are still a huge part of the library, the plan kept in mind additional uses. King and the library’s board worked with Library Design Associates to tweak a plan that had already been in the works. 

“There are greater needs in the community, beyond books, and we need to be beyond books,” King said.

The renovations made on the main level of the library included comfortable sofa and chair seating, new display case for community collections, replacement of an oversized circulation desk which provides more open space, and new spaces for patrons to use their own devices and charging outlets.

A total of seven custom window seats were added, with bookshelves between them to maximize the space. 

With the addition of a coffee bar, a new activity was added. A Muffin Monday event is held each month with the library opening early at 8 a.m. on those days because the staff realizes people want to eat muffins with their coffee. Tea is also available.

“That’s usually the first Monday of the month. But it really does depend on when I’m here, because I’m the muffin baker,” King said. “If I’m going to be here the first Monday of the month, that’s Muffin Monday. If not, it may be another Monday.” 

The main floor library collections were reorganized, which included moving large print materials to the front for accessibility. Space was also created under the window seats that will add storage for future “library of things” collections.

The former safe in the building was redesigned for added usefulness for processing interlibrary loans with some items like shelving and a countertop being repurposed for the upgrade.

The upgrades are making a difference with some spaces becoming more utilized including the desk space for bringing your own device. Free wife is available inside and outside of the library. The library now has a community puzzle available for those who would like to come in and test their skills.

“We want people to stay a little and enjoy the space that belongs to them, because the library belongs to the community,” King said.

Another way the library involves the community is through a teen group that plans some of the activities for the children’s department.

“It’s wonderful for the library too, because teenagers in particular, are extremely creative,” King said. “It is refreshing to have some younger folks come in and they have ideas of what the kids would be interested in.”

The teens can also use the time they spend planning and helping with the programs as volunteer time for any school volunteer time requirements. 

Some of the upcoming programs at the Gnadenhutten Public Library include book club, held one time each month, story times for children held every Wednesday and Thursday at 11 a.m., and crafter days usually held quarterly. 

Some fun upcoming events will be a meal planning program using AI Nov. 15, and a special activity day for school-aged children Black Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. that will allow parents some extra time to get holiday chores done.

Santa photos and a youth vendor fair are being planned for December. Follow the GPL’s Facebook page for more information and sign up for their monthly newsletter.