Crown Jewel Project Timeline

January 2000 - DPLS Board of Trustees mark out their 10-year capital plan. First priorities are the renovations of branch locations in Hicksville and Sherwood in 2000. Main library renovations to follow.

January 2009 - DPLS Board of Trustees announces their plans to renovate the Defiance Public Library.

February 2009 - DPLS Board of Trustees announces their intention to fundraise in order to complete the project as recommended.

February - March 2009 - The Frye, Gillan, Molinaro Architectural Firm designs renovation plans using input from staff, board, friends, patrons, and community groups.

June 2009 - The Defiance Public Library is awarded a $30,000 grant by the City of Defiance from the Community Block Development Grant to support renovations that will help preserve an historic downtown location. The money is put towards constructing a handicap-accessible lift in the East Wing mezzanine and a family bathroom in the future Youth Services area.

June 2009 - A group of 12 Marketing and PR professionals from Defiance meet for the first time as the Communications Committee of the Renovation Campaign.

July 2009 - A feasibility study is conducted in the community to determine whether fundraising is a viable option. It is recommended that the library undertake a fundraising campaign with a goal of $500,000 instead of a $1 million goal.

September 2009 - Private donation fundraising begins with a goal of $500,000.

September 2009 - Chairs of the campaign are announced.

• Campaign Chair: Linda Brose
• Campaign Co-Chair: Jean Hubbard
• Campaign Co-Chair: Joyce Hudgins-Joyce
• Campaign Co-Chair: Kieu Okuley
• Campaign Honorary Chair: Marilyn Mallott
• Campaign Honorary Chair: Betsy Ryan

October 2009 - A group of 30 women from Defiance meets for the first time as the Steering Committee of the Defiance Public Library's Renovation Campaign.

October 2009 - Campaign Chairs and Co-Chairs begin securing major gifts for the campaign.

November 2009 - The slogan for the campaign is decided: Defiance's Crown Jewel - Your Library.

December 2009 - The Steering Committee announces they have raised over 50% of their campaign goal.

January 2010 - Steering Committee Members begin fundraising in earnest.

January 2010 - A family bathroom and handicap-accessible lift, allowing access for all patrons for the first time to the East wing mezzanine, were completed as our first renovation projects. These projects were paritally funded through a $30,000 grant awarded by the City of Defiance from the Community Development Block Grant.

February 2010 - The Steering Committee announces they have reached their goal of $500,000 but will continue to fundraise towards completing the project as originally intended.

March 2010 - Public and community fundraising begins.

April 2010 - Public and community fundraising wraps up at the end of National Library Week 2010.

July 2010 - The first meeting of the Desk Relocation Committee is held and is attended by Library staff, Library administration, and members of the Historic Homes of Defiance. Their goal is set to find a new public home for the Circulation Desk in the community.

August 2010 - The DPLS Board of Trustees approves official Bid documents for the first phase of the renovation. The first project will be the Dome lounge and the Reading Room at the main entrance.

September 2010 - The Desk Relocation Committee names the Defiance Development and Visitor's Bureau as the new home for the Circualtion Desk. It will be held in use by the DDVB until a city museum space is designated. 

October 2010 - DPLS receives word that they were awarded a $300,000 ARRA Federal Grant towards the HVAC replacement project. The library applied for the grant in 2009, was denied funding in early 2010, but then, due to a grantee dropping out, was officially named a grant recipient. 

December 2010 - Construction is delayed due to materials being backorderd. Contractors are not keeping stock due to the economic conditions and so must order all materials straight from the manufacturer.

January 2011 - Bid advertisements are placed for Phase 2: The HVAC Project. A Pre-Bid meeting is scheduled for February 10th at the Defiance Public Library. 

February 2011 - Construction begins on Phase 1: The Dome Project. Lighting and electrical work begin the project. The original stained glass dome is temporarily moved for restoration and repair and to protect it during construction. It will be placed back in when the Dome project completes.

April 2011 - Construction begins on Phase 2: The HVAC Project. The library's infrastructure including the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems are entirely re-worked and replaced. The new system will allow for energy efficient airflow and temperature control.