7 Shocking Ways The Muskingum County Library System Is Revolutionizing Zanesville In 2025
The Muskingum County Library System (MCLS) is currently undergoing one of the most significant transformations in its history, cementing its role as a vital community hub in Zanesville and the surrounding townships. As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, the system is not just updating its collection; it is fundamentally redesigning its physical and digital presence to meet the demands of the modern era, with the massive John McIntire Library renovation leading the charge.
This unprecedented wave of change, driven by the MCLS Board of Trustees and Executive Director Stacey Russell, ensures that the library remains a powerful engine for literacy, technology access, and community connection across Muskingum County, Ohio. The updates are fresh, impactful, and set to redefine the library experience for thousands of patrons in the coming year.
The Muskingum County Library System: A Profile in Transformation
The Muskingum County Library System operates as a critical network of knowledge and public service, governed by a seven-member Board of Trustees who serve staggered seven-year terms. The system’s leadership is focused on expanding outreach and modernizing facilities to serve a diverse population.
- System Headquarters: John McIntire Library (Zanesville)
- Executive Director: Stacey Russell (Also serves as Vice Chair/Chair-Elect of the Ohio Library Council)
- Key Personnel: Suzanne Helms (Library Operations Manager), Hailey (Adult Services Assistant Librarian), Sean (Marketing & Community Relations Director)
- Branch Locations (The Five Pillars):
- John McIntire Library (Main)
- New Concord Branch
- Dresden Branch
- Duncan Falls/Philo Branch
- Roseville Branch
- Major Current Project: The John McIntire Library Remodel (The first major renovation in over 33 years).
- Advocacy Focus: Protection of the Public Library Fund (PLF) through the Ohio Library Council (OLC).
7 Game-Changing Updates From the John McIntire Library Remodel (2025)
The centerpiece of the MCLS's 2025 strategy is the multi-phase renovation of the John McIntire Library, a project that is dramatically overhauling the downtown Zanesville landmark. This is not a simple cosmetic update; it's a structural and functional revolution, with major milestones like receiving steel beams and framing new spaces already complete.
1. The Creation of a Dedicated, State-of-the-Art Teen Area
For years, the library has sought to provide a dedicated space for its younger patrons, and the remodel delivers. The renovation includes the framing of a brand-new, dedicated Teen Area. This space is designed to be a safe, engaging hub specifically for middle and high school students, offering resources, programs, and social opportunities away from the main adult and children’s sections.
2. A Brand-New Children’s Space and Family Amenities
The Lower Level of the John McIntire Library is being completely reimagined for families. It will feature a significantly expanded and new children's space, strategically located adjacent to the storytime room and the auditorium. Crucially, the plan also includes an additional family restroom, a small but vital amenity that greatly improves accessibility and comfort for parents with young children.
3. Flexible Meeting Spaces for the Community
The new design prioritizes community use and collaboration. The renovation is adding new, flexible meeting spaces that can be adapted for various purposes, from small study groups to large community workshops. This enhancement directly supports the library's mission to serve as a central gathering point for local organizations and residents.
4. Enhanced Accessibility with New Elevators
A key focus of the renovation is improving access for all Muskingum County residents. Planned improvements include the installation of new elevators, ensuring that every floor and new event space is easily reachable, making the library truly inclusive and compliant with modern accessibility standards.
5. A Pre-Function Event Space for Downtown Zanesville
The John McIntire Library serves an integral role in Downtown Zanesville, and the remodel capitalizes on this. The plan includes a new pre-function event space. This area is designed to host public and private events, making the library a more vibrant cultural and professional venue for the city.
6. Strong Partnerships Driving the Project
The success of the remodel is a testament to strong community and professional partnerships. The MCLS has partnered with APG Architects for the design and has received media support from Daegan Lusk Media to document and share the story of the transformation with the public. These collaborations ensure the project stays on track and is communicated effectively to patrons.
7. Service Continuity During Massive Construction
Despite the major construction and service changes at the John McIntire Library, the MCLS has ensured that services continue. Most programming has been shifted to the branch libraries (New Concord, Dresden, Roseville, Duncan Falls/Philo) or with community partners. Crucially, staff continue adding new items to the collection at their regular schedule, ensuring the library remains current even during the remodel.
2025 Programs and Outreach: Expanding Beyond the Walls
While the John McIntire Library is being rebuilt, the Muskingum County Library System’s outreach programs are expanding rapidly, utilizing its branch network and digital platforms to reach patrons wherever they are. The library continues to strengthen existing approaches and establish new ones, as highlighted in the 2024 Annual Report.
The Annual Reading Challenges
The MCLS is committed to year-round literacy engagement for all ages. The eagerly anticipated Summer Reading Program 2025 is set to invite adults, families, and children to join another exciting season of reading. Following that, the system will host the Winter Reading Challenge 2025/2026, challenging patrons to log their reading hours using the popular Beanstack platform from December through January.
Community Outreach and Digital Tools
The library has established key partnerships with local daycare and community organizations to provide children with essential digital tools and literacy resources. The outreach efforts extend to physical locations outside of the branches, including an Outreach Stop at Colony Square Mall, bringing library services directly to high-traffic community areas.
The Friends of the Library (FotL)
The Friends of the Library (FotL) remains a vital entity, managed by an Executive Committee of elected officers. This dedicated group of community members provides crucial support for library programs and initiatives, acting as a bridge between the MCLS and the public.
The Future: A New Era for Muskingum County
The Muskingum County Library System is navigating a complex period of growth and physical transformation. With the John McIntire Library remodel on track throughout 2025, the system is preparing to unveil a facility that is not just a repository for books, but a modern, flexible, and essential community center. The focus on new spaces—from the dedicated Teen Area to the flexible meeting rooms—shows a forward-thinking approach to public service. This extensive investment ensures that the MCLS will continue to be a leading resource for education, technology, and community life in Muskingum County for decades to come.
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