The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County (PLYMC) will recognize Veterans Day with three programs in November that provide opportunities for residents to explore military history, thank those who have served and help younger generations understand the significance of military service.
The programs will take place at the Poland, Austintown and Springfield branches.
Military Records Research – Poland Library
Thursday, November 5, 6–7:30 p.m.
Military records provide important information about family history and the experiences of those who served in the Armed Forces. This program will introduce participants to Library databases and other research tools used to locate military personnel files, unit histories, draft and enlistment records, combat reports, oral histories, wartime newspaper accounts and other historical resources.
The program is intended for adults and teens in grades 7–12. Registration is required.
Letters to Veterans – Austintown Library
Monday, November 9–Saturday, November 14, during regular Library hours.
Visitors to the Austintown Library are invited to write letters expressing their appreciation to veterans for their military service. The activity provides an opportunity for community members to recognize the contributions and sacrifices of those who have served.
Let's Honor Our Veterans – Springfield Library
Wednesday, November 11, 4–5 p.m.
On Veterans Day, the Springfield Library will offer an educational program introducing children in grades K–3 to the importance of the holiday and the contributions of the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces.
The Springfield Library will also feature a Veterans Wall displaying photographs honoring military veterans.
Tim Seman, the librarian who organized the Poland Library event said, "Military records reveal many details of family relationships and contextualize background information, circumstances, and cultural norms, all to enlarge the frame of reference. This research helps to ensure that the narrative of a particular time and its unique historical events is not oversimplified, misjudged, or misunderstood. Culturally, military service is a distinctive activity that requires recognition both from within a family and among the thankful citizens of a larger community."
“We at PLYMC continue to honor those who have made such great sacrifices for our country and community," said Aimee Fifarek, PLYMC Director and CEO. "These programs demonstrate the important role PLYMC plays in connecting our community with its history and with one another. Whether we are helping families research their military heritage, providing residents an opportunity to thank veterans for their service, or teaching children about the meaning of Veterans Day, our libraries are offering meaningful ways for people of all ages to participate. Each program reflects our commitment to preserving the Mahoning Valley’s history, supporting lifelong learning and strengthening the communities we serve,” added Fifarek.
Together, these activities reflect PLYMC's role in preserving history, providing access to educational resources and bringing Mahoning Valley residents together to recognize the people and experiences that have shaped their communities.
For additional information about these and other Library programs, visit www.libraryvisit.org, opens a new window.
Follow PLYMC on social media (Facebook, opens a new window, Twitter, opens a new window, Instagram, opens a new window, and TikTok, opens a new window) and check www.libraryvisit.org, opens a new window for updates.
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 14 branches across Mahoning County, including Main Library in downtown Youngstown, PLYMC is well known for its signature services and programs like Summer Discovery and 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten. PLYMC serves our communities by preparing children for kindergarten, promoting early literacy, assisting job seekers, connecting Valley residents to technology, and providing resources for small businesses.