Posted June 23, 2003.

One-Room “Cornfield” Library to Close After All

The Greentown branch of the North Canton (Ohio) Public Library will close July 1 after a one-year reprieve from the budget axe. The “little library in the cornfield,” as it is known to its service population, had been slated for closure last summer due to state budget cuts, but was saved when area residents presented officials with a petition signed by 700 people. However, this time Greentown’s shuttering is “non-negotiable,” Linda Bayman, public relations director for North Canton Public Library, said in the June 19 Canton Repository.

Library trustees voted 6–1 June 18 to close the branch, citing among other reasons: survey results indicating that few people use the library; the need for major renovations to shore up the 40-year-old building and bring OPAC and Internet access there; and a 14% cut in state funds over the past two years with the possibility of more reductions to come. Board President Thomas Shoup said, “We know that closing the library was the correct action to take.” He added, “There was no joy in doing that.”

At least one area resident seemed caught off-guard by the news. Elaine Stroia said she had hoped North Canton officials “would’ve allowed us to initiate some kind of fundraiser or a levy to raise the funds.” Still, she added, “I’m glad we were able to save it for one more year.”

The building will be appraised and sold, with proceeds going to the main library’s capital-improvement fund.

Posted June 23, 2003.