New Main Library

PROJECT OVERVIEW

The Garnet A. Wilson Public Library is preparing a new 17,000-square-foot main library in Waverly, designed as an

accessible public institution with expanded digital resources, learning space and community facilities. Its 2026

project materials also position the library as a regional platform for workforce education, employer outreach and

business engagement connected to the evolving PORTS economy.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The library’s existing century-old downtown building has limited parking and accessibility challenges. The project

application describes a 2024 fire that caused a six-month closure and ongoing elevator and facility constraints. The

new single-level location next to Bristol Village is intended to offer accessible entry, improved circulation, expanded

parking and adaptable space for public programs.

PROJECT SCOPE

Public library and community gathering Expanded library collections, accessible reading areas, meeting and collaboration

spaces and an exterior story garden.

Digital access and learning High-speed internet, public computers, online learning, job-search tools and digital-literacy

programming.

Workforce and business use Flexible rooms for career-readiness instruction, certifications, recruitment events, supplier

meetings and employer presentations.

Additional community services A proposed private telehealth room in cooperation with Valley View Health Center and

accessible outdoor green space.

ASCEND / BUILDING ELEVATED COMMUNITIES

COMMUNITY PROJECTS LAUNCHPAD • DOCUMENTED JULY–SEPTEMBER 2026

New Main Library / INVESTMENT & ENGAGEMENT

A modern civic home for reading, digital access, workforce training and community connection.

FUNDING AND PROJECT STATUS

FUNDING / COMPONENT AMOUNT DOCUMENTED STATUS

Total architect’s estimate $5,904,472 Project construction estimate

Local/private resources ~$3.4M Reported secured in July 2026 grant materials

ARC POWER $2.0M

Submission confirmed by July 8, 2026 project email; award status

unknown

Other draft federal request $2.5M Different draft application; submission and overlap to confirm

DEVELOPMENT ROADMAP

The uploaded invitation schedules groundbreaking for Friday, October 9, 2026, at 11 a.m. at 550 East Second Street.

The proposed phased delivery begins with the foundation, building shell and multipurpose space, followed by

interior finishes, furnishings, digital infrastructure and training-room activation. The documents do not establish a

confirmed opening date.

HOW ASCEND MEMBER COMPANIES CAN ENGAGE

Members may contribute to capital completion, furnishings and technology; host hiring fairs and workforce

workshops; support digital inclusion; or coordinate business outreach and community information sessions. Library

leadership would approve all uses and partnership arrangements.

PROJECT SPONSOR AND INQUIRIES

Project sponsor / development lead: Garnet A. Wilson Public Library of Pike County. Location: 550 East Second

Street, Waverly, Ohio. ASCEND can route inquiries to the designated project representative after the sponsor

approves the public listing.

VIEW PROJECT EXPLORE LIBRARY SUPPORT AND PROGRAMMING →

Original uploaded groundbreaking invitation, scheduled for October 9, 2026.

PROJECT DOCUMENTATION

July 2026 ARC POWER application and submission email; JCKL Architects detailed estimate; application questions; original

uploaded groundbreaking invitation; Trillium support letter.

BEFORE THE PROFILE GOES LIVE — DEVELOPER / SPONSOR REVIEW

The submitted $2M ARC request and separate $2.5M draft request appear to address overlapping capital need: do not sum them as

secured or independent awards. A historical $300K NEH award was reportedly rescinded without payment. Update the

groundbreaking to a past milestone after October 9.

Project details reflect supplied 2026 documents; funding decisions and implementation milestones require sponsor updates.