In the mid 1800's Congress established the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) as a way to collect, organize, and preserve information produced by all parts of the federal government.  A Federal Depository  Library is a place designated by Congress to receive government publications and to provide free public access to this information. 

About 1,350 libraries throughout the country currently serve as depository libraries.  This area  is unique in the sense that it has two depository libraries located almost across the street from each other--Maag Library at Youngstown State Library, and the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County.

Why are depository libraries important?   They are important because the United States government is one of the world's largest publishers.  About 25,000 new publications are issued each year--ranging from The Congressional Record to Family Life Skills: Training for Drug Abuse Prevention.  All of this research and the resulting publications are made possible through the tax dollars collected from the citizens. 

Citizens have the right and freedom to access this information.  Depository libraries such as Maag Library and the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County assist all residents in finding and using government information.