Symmes Township, Ohio – The Cincinnati Public Library will demolish and construct a new Symmes Branch at the current location. The preliminary estimate for the 22,000-square-foot building is approximately $16 million. Estimated Completion date is late 2025 or early 2026

The final design and cost-estimating process is wrapping up for the project.

In order to expedite the project, they will begin demolition while the project construction is out for bid.

A temporary location will be at 9267 Governor’s Way, approximately .5 miles from the branch, to provide space for basic service during the construction of the new building including holds pickup, material returns, passport service, limited programs, and a “curated” collection. The Library Facilities Team is preparing the space, and expect to move to the location in early October.

The Library says they have spent a considerable amount of time and resources over the last year developing and evaluating design options to improve the existing branch parking lot, pedestrian and traffic safety, and service operations at the system’s busiest branch.

“During the process, the estimates to renovate and create a small addition were between $8 million – $10 million. Considering the lack of options to make cost-efficient and significant improvements, and given a rare opportunity for the Library to take advantage of tax reduction energy incentives, the Library is now considering a plan to demolish the existing structure and construct a new larger branch that is planned to include solar panels and a geothermal energy system.”