PLYMC Announces the Light Up the Sky Campaign

YOUNGSTOWN – The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County (PLYMC) announced its Light Up the Sky Campaign, as part of the Reuben B. McMillan Legacy Capital Campaign for the Main Library, to recreate Main Library’s original skylight in its Grand Reading Room during its current renovation project. 

Main Library, an Andrew Carnegie library, opened in 1910 and has undergone two major renovations: The first in 1954, which covered up the original skylight, and another renovation in 1996, which added an addition to the original building. During the current renovation of the Main Library, and through this campaign, the historic skylight is being uncovered and restored. The glass skylight panels are manufactured by Paul Wissmach Glass Co. in West Virginia, which replicated the amber and green glass that was used in the original skylight. Paul Hagman of RBF CoLab Architecture and Design and Bostwick Design Partnership took the lead in the careful work of recreating the historic skylight.  

“The Grand Reading Room skylight has incredible historical value and beauty, so we want to offer people across the Valley with the opportunity to be a part of honoring that history and shared sense of community with a donation toward reimagining the skylight,” said Deborah Liptak, PLYMC Development Director.

In addition to the restored skylight, the renovated Main Library will include a 6,500 square-foot addition, which will house a culinary literacy kitchen with 16 cooking stations, a 125-person events space, and an outdoor terrace. The existing building is home to the recently opened Family Engagement Area, which includes interactive spaces for children and teens.

“The goal in designing Main Library’s renovation is to balance the Library’s rich history and connection with the community while making a bold statement about the Library’s future,” said Aimee Fifarek, PLYMC Director and CEO. “The Light Up the Sky Campaign will help us to meet our goal and to recreate a special piece of Library history for generations of Library patrons to enjoy.”

Main Library’s renovation is expected to be completed in Summer 2022.

For more information on how to donate to the Light Up the Sky campaign, contact Deborah Liptak at 330-740-6086, dliptak@libraryvisit.org, opens a new window, or visit:

http://weblink.donorperfect.com/PLYMCLightuptheskycampaign2022, opens a new window

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The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County (PLYMC) has served the Mahoning Valley since 1880 when the Youngstown Library Association was officially created. With 15 branches across Mahoning County, including our Main Library in downtown Youngstown, the PLYMC is well known for signature services and programs like Summer Discovery and 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten. The mission and values of PLYMC to “connect, inspire, and enrich” position the Library to serve our communities by preparing children for kindergarten, promoting early literacy, assisting job seekers, connecting Valley residents to technology, and providing resources for small businesses.

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