The Piqua Public Library is housed in the beautifully restored Fort Piqua Plaza and is one of the most impressive libraries in the State of Ohio. The Library occupies three floors of this magnificent building. The main lobby of the Library offers a beautiful marble tiled floor, plaster carvings, stained glass atrium ceiling, grand staircase, impressive large fireplace and grand piano.
Since its inception on November 6, 2011, The Friends of the Piqua Public Library organization has grown to be known as an active organization that gives our residents the opportunity to hear interesting and entertaining programs of many genres. All of these programs are offered free of charge. Our annual fundraiser held for the past eleven years, called the Holiday Cabaret, is held in the Grand Ballroom of the Fort Piqua Plaza and is the only event where an admission is charged. At this fundraiser, we bring local talent together to perform as well as outstanding music by featuring the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, the Lima Symphony, the Springfield Symphony Orchestra and the Miami Valley Symphony Orchestra for our guests to enjoy.
Over the past years, we have supported the great staff of the Library with needed equipment and supplies that included a microwave, new vacuum cleaners, a Cricut machine, bookcases, dollies and book carts.
New LED lighting has been installed in the lower level and the first floor thanks to our leadership. The 2nd floor replacement lighting is in the process of being completed this year.
We have been strong advocates for the Children’s Department by helping with additional programming and equipment. Each Christmas during Mainstreet Piqua’s Christmas on the Greene, we give out a beautiful new Christmas book to every child visiting the Library during this event. Also, due to the estate planning of Jean Wilson Reed, her family generously included The Friends of the Library by suggesting that Jean’s friends and family donate to our organization. This funding has allowed us to supply the Children’s Department with innovative equipment such as back packs called “Jean’s Bags.” These bags contain creative and imaginative material for the children to take home and enjoy. The bags are so popular that we have added more each year. We have also provided a large supply of outstanding puzzles for every age.
More recently, we have added “Memory Bags” for the staff to suggest for patrons with memory problems. Caregivers have commented how thrilled they are with this thoughtful and helpful item.
Each year we fund the Kids Discovery Day that brings entertainment just for the children to enjoy. We have also helped fund the establishment of the Teen Room for our young adults.
The Friends committee accepted the challenge to chair the last successful and important tax levy in 2021 that supports our wonderful Library. We will do the same this year, 2025. For the past three years, Friends of the Library posted a number of billboards in our area stressing the importance of literacy in our community by visiting our Piqua Library.
We continually bring events and programs to our Library that will ensure a bright future for this treasure and a very important amenity in our community.