To Donate, Please visit - Minster Community Fund
2026 FJ Stallo Memorial Library Renovation Project –
Help Build the Next Chapter of the Francis J. Stallo Memorial Library
For generations, the Francis J. Stallo Memorial Library has been part of the heart of Minster.
From its beginnings in:
1963 in the basement of the Minster State Bank,
to its home in the historic 1912 Kramer Building since 1976, the library has grown alongside our community.
In 2003, community support helped expand the library to better serve Minster.
Now, it’s time for the next chapter.
Together, we can preserve the character of this beloved historic building while creating a library designed for today and tomorrow.
For more than 23 years, the library has remained largely unchanged. This renovation will honor the past while creating welcoming, functional spaces for future generations.
The library is your community center.
Identifying our Need
- Mission Statement - The Auglaize County Public District Library System provides resources to serve the informational, educational, and recreational needs of the public.
- The role of libraries has changed over the years since the opening of our current library facility and even since the renovation is 2003. Libraries have become community centers and are no longer warehouses for books.
- The people who walk through our doors are not only accessing our books, they are using our space for a wide variety of purposes including access to technology, meeting spaces, programs, classes, interactive learning, and so much more.
- Our current design does not adapt to the changing needs of our community and the population we serve.
- After assessing the changing needs of our local community, it is our goal to update the building and create a space that will provide a community center concept that is relevant and effective in meeting the community needs.
- Libraries are no longer quiet buildings but buildings with designated quiet areas. We invite you to come and enjoy yourself, interact with friends, take a class, attend an event, relax with a cup of coffee, or watch the children learn through interactive play spaces.
Creating a Plan to Address the Need
Planned improvements include:
• Elevator access for all
• Meeting and study rooms for learning and connection
• A custom children’s discovery area that inspires learning through play
• Enhanced technology and updated furnishings
• Comfortable community gathering spaces, a coffee bar, and quiet areas for adults
Funding & Design
- The overall projected cost of the project is approximately $1,800,000 dollars. A portion of the funds for this project has been set aside for many years from state funds and with the help of the Village of Minster to adapt the. Scope of the entire project is dependent on fundraising. Final cost is yet to be determined.
- It is our goal to raise the funds through local donations and state grants to help fund this renovation.
- Garmann Miller have developed the design for the renovation.
Committed to Serving our Whole County
- The Auglaize County Public District Library System is committed to serving all of the communities in our district. We continue to update and change our facilities as needs arise.
- The library system is made up of the central library and five branches. We own two facilities in our district; Wapakoneta (central library) and Waynesfield. Our library locations in Cridersville, Minster, New Bremen, and New Knoxville are leased properties.
- Current Library Facilities:
- Cridersville - Built and opened to the public in October 1999
- Minster - Moved to the current building in 1976, expanded to double the size in 2003
- New Bremen - Current facility was built in 1973, expanded to double the size in 1990, renovated in 2024 to adapt to current needs
- New Knoxville - Moved to current building in 1985, expanded to double the size in 1988, updated in 2019
- Wapakoneta - Current facility was built in 1968 and renovated in 2018
- Waynesfield - Built and opened to the public in 1998
Donate to the Renovation Project
- We are asking for community support to make the renovations possible.
- Donations will be featured on our digital donation wall and through commemorative signage. Donation recognition will be sized by sponsor level.