To further our mission of lifelong learning ...

The Syracuse Turkey-Creek Township Public Library has not expanded its physical space in over 30 years and identified a need to expand and renovate the library to maintain or enhance its ability to retain staff and serve the surrounding community.

The initial 2022 feasibility study explored options for remodeling and expanding the existing structure. During the process, key goals were identified to enable the library to better serve the community. These included larger group meeting spaces; individual study spaces/rooms; improved accessibility and Americans with Disabilities Act compliance; improved public bathrooms; more storage and workspaces for staff; improved parking; electrical infrastructure; a business center; and more.

​At that time, the board determined it would be more cost-effective to build a new building because of the limitations of space presented by the small amount of land available at the present site and the necessity of vacating an alley, which served local businesses, located between the existing library building and the available property.

In 2024, the town of Syracuse presented the Syracuse Public Library with the deed for a property located at 705 N. Dolan Dr. to pursue a new library building. Since then, the library has contracted Arkos Design of Mishawaka to begin the planning process for a new library. As part of the process, the library and Arkos Design will host meetings to gather community feedback to guide the design process.

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Challenges of the Current Library Site

• The existing library is not overly accessible to people with mobility challenges. The stairs can be a deterrent and have even resulted in injuries.
• The existing lift is an older style that requires constant pressure on a button to move between floors. For those with mobility challenges, it can still pose accessibility issues. A newer, more accessible elevator would be costly and require regular maintenance.
• Syracuse needs additional meeting and study spaces. Currently, Syracuse Public Library cannot accommodate these needs because of limited space and its existing programing needs.
• The new outdoor patio area does not provide much shade so it can get hot during the summer.
• There is not enough parking in close proximity to the building.
• The existing adult area requires a slight increase in size to accommodate the current needs.
• The existing young adult area could double to triple in size to accommodate the current needs.
• The existing meeting room partition is rarely used because it does not provided a sufficient sound barrier.
• The existing meeting room is not accessible for use after hours.
• The existing upper level restrooms are extremely small and not ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessible.
• The existing lower level restrooms are oversized for single-users.
• The staff lacks sufficient space to work on projects in either the lower or upper levels.
• The adjacent property is not contiguous to the existing library and would require the vacation of an alley and relocation of overhead power lines to accommodate an addition to the existing building.

Documentation

Syracuse Library - Notice of Adoption of Preliminary Determination - 2026

Tentative Project Timeline

Project details are still coming together. Check back for project information and public events.

FAQs

This FAQ is still being developed as more project details are finalized.

WHy Not REnovate The existing Library building?

​Syracuse-Turkey Creek Township Public Library initially explored renovating and expanding the existing library structure. Due to its age and operational challenges, it would cost more to add on to and rehabilitate the current building. To be able to stay in operation, the collection would need moved during the rehabilitation process, placing a greater cost burden on taxpayers. Additionally, the alley behind the library is used by local businesses and cannot be vacated.

The planned library structure for the Dolan Street property will be one story and much more efficient to heat and cool, offering greater energy savings for the library. Other benefits include improved security and accessibility. SPL serves a variety of patrons, including those with mobility issues. The stairs are challenging for these patrons. Our current lift is difficult to operate for those with mobility issues, and if it stops working, the entire library becomes inaccessible. An updated lift/elevator would be an expensive purchase and require costly maintenance.

See "Challenges of the Current Library Site" in this page's introduction for more reasons for the move.

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Isn't the 705 N. Dolan Drive Property in a floodPlaIn?

Extensive studies have been completed on the 705 N. Dolan Drive property. The western edge of the property is within the floodplain and will go unused. With variances, Syracuse-Turkey Creek Township Public Library hopes to build a 14,000-sqaure-foot-plus structure. Current concepts show this as possible, though the proposed new library structure is in the design phase.

​Soil borings will occur on the site to ensure the proper foundation is selected for the land.

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Just A Minute Away

From Main Street to Dolan Drive

The new proposed library site (705 N. Dolan Drive) is located just .2 miles from the Syracuse-Turkey Creek Township's current location of 115 E. Main St.

As the library embarks on the next chapter of its lifelong learning mission, it is pleased to remain within downtown/uptown Syracuse.

Latest Project News

In Progress

Check back later for photos related to the building project.

Building Project Documents

On November 15, 2023, Arkos Design submitted a feasibility study for the 705 N. Dolan Dr. property, showing potential library structure possibilities. No designs have been finalized for the potential new library building.

View November 2023 Feasibility Study

Arkos Design presented a schematic design to the Syracuse-Turkey Creek Township Board of Trustees during its December meeting. The board approved this design. A schematic design is the first phase of the architectural process and details are likely to change while other details like coloration have not been finalized.

Schematic Design December 2024