Pictured are Struthers Library Theatre board members Susan Stout, Paul Pascuzzi, Scott Olewine, Karen Austin, executive director, Shawn Walker and Jennifer Dilks.

The Struthers Library Theatre is starting the public phase of its 2025 Preserving Heritage, Building Tomorrow fundraising campaign.

The campaign’s goal is $552,000.

Theatre officials said in a news release that 2025 marks the theatre’s 50th year on the National Registry of Historic Landmarks, which benefits the integrity and vitality of the 142-year-old theatre building. The list of projects to be funded through the campaign include: installing new upper-floor windows for safety and heat retention, replacing 142-year-old galvanized steel plumbing, ensuring safety and reliability, replacing the auditorium, balcony, and hallway carpet, upgrading the lighting throughout the theatre with modern LED fixtures, and restoring the original 142-year-old terrazzo flooring in the lobby.

The Struthers Library Theatre has been the cornerstone of the arts community in Warren County since 1883, bringing entertainers such as Harry Houdini and Duke Ellington to the stage. More recent acts have included The Wallflowers, Blues Traveler and Ricky Skaggs. Through its widespread list of programming, including plays, musicals, theatre education programs, tribute bands and films, the Struthers Library Theatre brings fans from the region and beyond through its doors each year.

In previous eras, theaters like Struthers were common in small towns across America, but many have fallen into disrepair or been torn down to make way for buildings or parking lots. This is not the case in Warren.

“Time and again, our community has proven its willingness and ability to uphold the tradition of preserving and maintaining this theatre,” Struthers Library Theatre board members said in a news release. “That generosity has paved the way for the completion of large capital projects, including the lighted marquee, the four-story elevator tower, the addition of Sally’s Encore Theatre Bar, the renovation of the Mead Family Library Room and Sisson Rehearsal Hall, and the addition of new Theatre seating.”

The Preserving Heritage, Building Tomorrow capital campaign is aimed at tackling essential updates to the building that most patrons won’t see but that will set the stage for the next few decades of performances at the Struthers Library Theatre. Upgraded lighting will improve the on-stage experience while newer windows will help the theater save money on its utility bills. Groups who use the rehearsal hall will see a marked increase in comfort and safety.

The campaign has already raised $330,000, board members said.

“Now we turn to you,” board members said in a news release. “If you have ever enjoyed theatre programming, if your children have ever participated in a play through our SLT Academy or been on a field trip to see a live play at the theatre, if you have ever enjoyed karaoke or a free concert in our theatre bar, Sally’s Encore, we need your contribution to this project. The theatre welcomes donations of any size to help us preserve this legacy as we preserve its heritage for future generations to come.”

For more information on contributing to the Preserving Heritage, Building Tomorrow campaign, please visit Strutherslibrarytheatre.org.