The new library does not have a projected cost yet but will be paid for by a $187 million county bond issue that passed in 2012. It will be located on National Road, near the Kleptz Early Learning Center.
The library will be 19,000 square feet, nearly two-thirds larger than the current facility at the Englewood Government Center that is 12,000 square feet. Leaders said it will be conveniently accessible from Clayton, Englewood and Union.
TRENDING:New Kings Island coaster could be 'Orion' or 'Polaris'
The old library had been built in 1975 and remodeled in 1996.
The plot of land on National Road is about 20 acres and was purchased by the Northmont City School District for future use, according to Kambitsch.
“A key factor in choosing this site is the enhanced opportunity for collaboration with Northmont Schools,” Kambitsch said.
“Being located near the Kleptz Early Learning Center and any future facility the school district might build on the property is an asset, as is the proximity to Sinclair Community College and the YMCA.”
TRENDING:New event this weekend includes more than 30 food trucks, petting zoo, rides and music
The current Northmont Branch is owned by the city of Englewood. The library has a rent-free lease and shared operating costs with the Government Center.
In 1996, the library signed a 25-year lease extension at the Government Center that is set to expire in 2021.
The board will hold a community forum in June with Ruetschle Architects, designers of the new building. Ruetschle is the architect of record for the Vandalia, Northwest, Kettering-Moraine, Wilmington-Stroop and Trotwood branch projects.
The forum will give both the board and architects a chance to discuss the design of the new library in detail, set potential costs of the new build and eventually to formally open bids for a contractor.
“Most construction projects are under construction with a month of bidding, so we believe it will begin summer 2020,” Kambitsch said.
MORE:Trotwood's new $5.1 million library nearing construction
The new library is slated to be completed by late summer of 2021.
“The city of Englewood has been a good partner and we look forward to working with the Northmont City School District and all of our partners in Northmont to design and construct a larger and more visible branch down the street,” Kambitsch said.
The Trotwood and West Branch projects are in progress. Sites for the Burkhardt and Huber Heights Branches are still being explored.
For more information about present and future projects, visit the library's website or call 937-463-2665.
About the Author