Roachdale Library nearing the end of huge renovations

For Jennifer Stranger, 2026 has been a year to remember.

In January, Stranger, director of the Roachdale Public Library, and others broke ground on a massive renovation project that has been over a century in the making, which followed a request to the county council for a $1.6 million bond. 

And, now, the renovations are rapidly coming to a close, bringing excitement for Stranger when she considers how many people will be helped. 

"As an original Carnegie, there is no access to the building without stairs. This really started with accessibility issues. We need to be able to get people in. Our restroom is one single stall. Once you get in to go to the children's area, you go back down another flight of stairs. We had a number of families where one child couldn't participate or enjoy the library because they were in a wheelchair. In addition, anyone with mobility issues or those with strollers or infant seats, struggle to enter. It simply was a necessity to have equal access for all. Our main goal has been accessibility for everyone," Stranger told The Putnam County Post. 

The front of the library will remain the same, while the entrance will shift to the side when complete. The library will also feature a new elevator, two ADA bathrooms, as well as a new addition. 

"It is a huge renovation. This has been more than a 20-year process, but for the last seven years, we have really been working on this. Everyone will be able to walk into the building. You will come in a side entrance at street level, walk three steps down to the circulation desk, get in the elevator and go down three to four feet or go upstairs," Stranger said. 

In the downstairs area, patrons will find collections for all ages. The upstairs area, accessible by elevator, will house a meeting area and provide space for programming. 

"One of the biggest things we thought about was the building hadn't been touched since 1912. That was one of our largest driving forces. We know it could be 100 years before they do another renovation, possibly, and we looked at what we absolutely needed and what was essential. The daily service will move downstairs, and that means everyone will come in down there. The children's area, adult area and teen area will all be there and the upstairs will be our community space. We will now have a private board room. Home schoolers, and various groups will be able to come in and use it. It is a space for everyone. We have some people who come in and we are their only daily contact. People know we are here, and our staff is always willing to figure it out and find a book for you. With the renovation, our goal is to think of the things we want and need into the next couple of years," Stranger said. 

Stranger said the excitement has been present ever since the groundbreaking ceremony. 

"When we first broke ground, it was during the first big snow storm we had and that delayed us. Seeing the excitement from the community as it started to come together has been great. We are about a month away from finishing the actual building. It will take us a little bit of time to get everything moved in. The excitement is crazy. We have people who have never been able to get into the library, and now they will be able to come in. Everyone is ready. They've seen it, they've heard us talk about it and it is such a long process, but now we are able to have certain programs and invite everyone in," Stranger said. 

Stranger acknowledged she is working hard with a grant writer from Little Berry Press to help fill the renovation gaps and address some of the funding for the project. Despite serving six of Putnam County's 13 townships and serving North Putnam Community Schools and any Evergreen patron, the library only receives tax dollars for Franklin Township. 

"I am going around to businesses and asking for help in putting the bow on. We had the bond, and that was for the building and was going to be our box. We knew when it came down to the end, we would have to do some fundraising and campaiging to create spaces. We have no furniture budget, and the pieces that need to go into that. We have a few things that we are looking for the community's help and place that investment back in us and it is an investment that will last generations. Every dollar counts and it is all going to add up and help us reach the goal of putting the bow on it and getting that space opened up," Stranger said. 

The actual construction is expected to be completed within the next month, and after that, there will be another month of moving items around, according to Stranger. 

"We are hoping around Christmas or Christmas break we will be done," Stranger said.