Where is the landscaping funding coming from?

The landscaping project will be funded by Ohio’s Public Library Funds and annual capital improvement funds automatically provided by the state, which we must use. Every year, all Ohio public libraries receive 1.7% of state revenues, and because this amount has increased in past years, there is more to use than previously budgeted. We are excited to reinvest this money into improving the building and its grounds for the benefit of our community.

"We want to bring young families into Ravenna. Creating family-friendly spaces would not only accomplish that but also enhance downtown's green spaces. We sit on the east end of Main Street welcoming people downtown. We're one of the first impressions outsiders get of our city."   

-Amy Young, Director

landsacpe project faq:

• Why are we rearranging traffic flow in the back?

  SAFETY! Right now, pedestrian traffic intersects automobile traffic. The new arrangement increases pedestrian safety.

• Will Locust become a one-way street?

  NO! Locust street remains unchanged. Traffic from the book drop will exit onto Elm and from there can turn right or left or continue straight onto Locust. We have no power and no need to change traffic on Locust Street.

• Why isn't the American Legion on your map?

  Because its geography isn’t relative to our changes. We’re good neighbors with the American Legion and frequently use each others’ parking lots when needed.

• How will the library pay for these changes?

  This project is funded by Ohio’s Public Library Funds and annual capital improvement funds automatically provided by the state, which we must use. Every year, all Ohio public libraries receive 1.7% of state revenues, and because this amount has increased in past years, there is more to use than previously budgeted. We are excited to reinvest this money into improving the building and its grounds for the benefit of our community.

• Why are you doing this project now?

  The parking lot has been repaired multiple times but needs completely replaced. It’s fiscally responsible to make any upgrades at the same time we’re repairing the parking lot and replacing dying shrubs. We have the capital improvement funds to make it happen and it’s a much-needed investment.

• Aren't you taking parking spots away from other businesses on Main Street?

  NO. Each business around the library and across the street has its own parking lot. Our study shows that the Main Street spaces are not needed. Main Street Ravenna’s report shows that the city has plenty of parking: 455 public parking spaces and over 3,000 parking spots total.

• Does the city have to give us the land that the parking spots take up now? 

  NO. They would not be giving us the land. We would simply have an easement to use it (much like our own property when the spots were added in 1993 and the sidewalk moved closer to our building). You can show your support for our plan by completing this short survey. We'll give the results to City Council to demonstrate that the majority of Ravenna residents and visitors support our plan.

is it a good plan to remove the Main Street parking spaces?

In our plan, the front will be extended into what is now parking along Main Street, making the new curb even with the side near our drive-thru entrance. The plan includes a wide sidewalk, increased green space, and areas for pedestrians and visitors to sit, relax, and enjoy the city.