DPLS Annex Project & Levy Information
Following a donation of land, Defiance Public Library System is pursuing construction of an annex building across the street from the historic Carnegie library, to meet its need for more space. The proposed facility would provide additional room for library services, programs, meetings, learning and community activities. Watch this page for updates, and use the link below to join our mailing list if you’d like periodic emails about the project.
Additional information about the land donation: Per the land donation Option Agreement, DPLS has 5 calendar years from the date the property was transferred in January 2024 to commence construction of library facilities. “Commencement of construction” is defined in the agreement as having approved building plans and obtaining building permits from the city. If construction has not commenced within that five-year period, the donor has a 6-month window to exercise an option to reacquire the property for an option price of $10.
Questions about the levy?
Email [email protected]. Questions may be added (without information identifying the individual who sent them) to public fact sheets/FAQs when appropriate.
On the ballot:
Proposed Tax Levy
(Renewal and Increase)
Defiance Public Library System
A majority affirmative vote is necessary for passage.
A renewal of 0.75 mill and an increase of 0.9 mill for each $1 of taxable value to constitute a tax for the benefit of the Defiance Public Library System for the purpose of current expenses of the library that the county auditor estimates will collect $1,942,369 annually, at a rate not exceeding 1.65 mills for each $1 of taxable value, which amounts to $47 for each $100,000 of the county auditor’s market value, for 35 years, commencing in 2026, first due in calendar year 2027.
Subscribe for updates
Join our mailing list & select “Annex Updates” to receive emails related to the annex project.
At a Glance
- Election: November 3, 2026
- Proposed levy: 1.65 mills for 35 years
- What it includes: Renewal of the existing 0.75-mill operating levy plus an additional 0.90 mills to support construction and operation of an annex across from Defiance Public Library, and renovations to the Carnegie building.
- Estimated total project cost: $8.3 million for the annex project and Carnegie renovations.
- Fundraising goal: $2.5 million
Annex Exterior – Preliminary Rendering by SHP Architecture & Design