The main library opened on Washington Avenue in 1967. Thirteen years later The Friends of the Elyria Public Library was established, followed by several new libraries and additions and renovations to the existing branches. In 2021, as part of a system-wide library redesign plan, B&H designed the Central Branch Library and relocated the building to the east side of downtown Elyria. The 22,000 SF building sits adjacent to the city’s Pioneer Plaza which allows it to take advantage of the stunning views and open green space in the center of an urban environment.
The $8.5 M, one-story library includes rooms dedicated to teens and children, as well as office and meeting spaces. The facade consists of various types of stone masonry within brick and formed metal wall panels. The structure includes multi-level roofing, a wind clip lateral system, two mechanical wells, and large overhanging canopies.
