Library History

On Oct. 27, 1880, the first legal steps were taken to provide public library service for the city of Youngstown, when Superintendent of Schools, Reuben McMillan, along with four others, signed the articles of incorporation establishing the Youngstown Library Association, which later became the Reuben McMillan Free Library Association. On Wednesday, October 27, 2004 the Library marked the beginning of its 125 th year and kicked off a year-long celebration at a small gathering and news conference at Main Library.

The library system that started with just 168 books in 1880, today houses some 850,000 books, 41,000 videos, 22,000 books-on-cassette, 2,000 books-on-CD, 7,000 DVDs, and 10,000 music CDs.

In 125 years many things have changed. And some have remained the same. There's satisfaction in knowing that the Library still, as it did 125 years ago, connects readers with good books, connects students with answers, connects people with information.

What's exciting is that today's Library is so much more. Today some of those answers are supplied via the Internet. Today, good stories come not only between hard covers, but on e-books, audiocassettes, on CDs, videos and DVDs. Today, the Library serves as a gathering place, attracting users and non-users alike, to programs for all ages, to events in Library meeting rooms, to Conversation Salons, TeenXTreme programs, to year-round children's programs, to the Summer Reading Club, and so much more.

“Over the years, millions have walked through our doors,” said Library Director Carlton A. Sears. “It is our hope that each of them was enriched by the materials on our shelves and the programs our libraries offer.” In 2003, door counts showed that over 1.1 million people visited libraries in the Mahoning County system.

The anniversary theme, “Have You Seen Us Lately? We're More Than You Know,” was inspired by several thoughts. During this anniversary year, patrons will be encouraged to learn more about what the Library offers and not just routinely use the Library for “the usual.” Perhaps this year, they will try something new. People who have not visited the Library in many years will be encouraged to “reconnect.”

“We've had wonderful, dedicated and supportive trustees, staff, Friends of the Library and volunteers over the past 125 years,” said Janet S. Loew, Communications & Public Relations Director. “This will be a year of celebrating those ties and of reconnecting with as many as possible and with their families.”