The Gutekunst Public Library expanded in order to be more ADA compliant, more technology-friendly, and to achieve more program space. It has the unique distinction of originally being a private residence in the 1930s before becoming a public library in 1974. It is sponsored by a family trust fund from the building's original inhabitants, Marshall County, and the proceeds from two farms in the surrounding area that are also a part of the property.
The Gutekunst Public Library opened in 1974. After trying to expand 4 times starting in 1980, they were finally able to add a new building and interior renovations in 2018. The new building is a "simplified duplicate" of the original.
Like the Jefferson Public Library, this library also worked with George Lawson for a space needs assessment and also worked with Studio MELEE for architecture. Now at 8,000 square feet, the Gutekunst Public Library has amenities like:
- a mosaic donor recognition wall
- a fireside community program and reading room with a wall-mounted screen
- two study rooms
- an elevator
- a coffee cart
- a designated Friends of the Library Book Sale area
- a Library of Things
- an outdoor play area
- a reading porch for patrons
