Repairs starting this spring at East Branch of the Public Library of Youngstown
A renovation project to fix some water damage and prevent further leaks at a Youngstown library is expected to start in May.
The East Branch Library, located at 430 Early Road in Youngstown was first built in 2008 and will be renovated this year.
Jordan Shaver is the chief operating officer for the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County.
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He said the library was designed without gutters or enough downspots, which is causing problems.
“While innovative at the time, this approach—combined with other architectural features—has contributed to ongoing challenges with water drainage and moisture intrusion over the years,” Shaver said.
Shaver said the building’s exterior is finished with a liquid-applied palladium coating that’s deteriorating.
“Some areas of the roof are also showing signs of moisture penetration,” he said. “The bulk of the project will focus on making the building watertight, durable and more resilient for the future.”
Once the necessary repairs are made to the building’s exterior, crews will also adjust the grading around the building to direct water away from the foundation.
“A new standing seam metal roof will be installed. Gutters and downspouts will be added to manage water runoff and prevent future damage,” Shaver said.
The East Branch Library exterior will be finished with a fiber cement siding, and damaged windows will be replaced as well.
“These updates are designed not just to fix current issues, but to extend the life of the building,” Shaver said.
Construction is scheduled to begin on May 8 once the library receives official approval.
“While the primary focus of this renovation is to repair and improve the building’s exterior envelope, there will be a few interior enhancements as well,” he said. “These include constructing a wall to create an additional smaller meeting room, adding doors to the early literacy area to help control sound, and doing some light interior touch-up drywall work and painting.”
The library construction project is anticipated to be completed by January 2026, according to Shaver.
Staff aren’t planning on closing for the renovation, but will communicate with the community about any closures in advance.
“The East Branch Library is more than just a place to check out books—it’s a hub for community, learning, and connection. This branch serves a diverse and engaged neighborhood in Youngstown, offering free access to technology, educational programming and cultural enrichment,” Shaver said.
