Wayne County Public Library bond retirement brings tax relief to residents

The Wayne County Public Library announced the retirement of the 2005 Library Improvement Bond, resulting in a reduction in property taxes for county residents.

In 2005 the WCPL Board of Trustees and administrative leadership placed a 0.25-mill, 20-year bond issue before voters to support the construction of a new main library in downtown Wooster. The bond was designed to generate $6 million in revenue, costing the owner of a $100,000 home approximately $7.70 per year.

On Nov. 8, 2005, voters approved the measure, authorizing the sale and issuance of the Library Improvement Bonds. The bonds were issued in June 2006, and in 2014 a portion of the debt was refinanced, saving taxpayers an estimated $186,000 over the remaining life of the bond.

The new main library, designed by Meehan Architects and constructed by Bogner Construction, was created with a focus on accessibility, children’s services, community meeting space, emerging technology and expanded parking. Public participation played a central role throughout the design process including community forums, tours of comparable libraries and a public vote on the final building design, making the facility a true reflection of community vision and support.

Since the opening of the new Wayne County Main Library, the impact of this investment has been substantial. Library usage continues to rise. Circulation has grown from 1.2 million items in 2005 to 1.6 million in 2025. Children’s programming at the library reached 12,000 young patrons in 2005; in 2025 the children’s department served more than 32,000 children and their families. Adult programming participation increased dramatically from 1,000 adults in 2005 to more than 5,000 in 2025.

The occasion will be marked April 25 with a camping-themed celebration featuring a “bond fire,” walking s’mores, kids activities and more.

The event will include the unveiling of the Preservation Station at 10 a.m. in the local history department, upstairs, followed by a brief ceremony celebrating the retirement of the Wayne County Main Library bond at 11 a.m. in the Reading Garden.

The Preservation Station was made possible through a grant from the Carnegie Foundation. This resource allows patrons to digitize personal photos, videos, audio recordings and other analog materials at no cost.

As the 2005 bond concludes, WCPL extends its gratitude to the community for more than two decades of steadfast support. The library looks forward to continuing its mission of enriching lives, advancing learning and strengthening the community for generations to come.