Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County

Specialties

The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County connects people and communities to reliable resources that inspire learning and foster enrichment.

History

Established in 1891.

The Library is an institution of historic importance in Youngstown and Mahoning County, with origins as far back as the 1840s, initially through the schools. On Oct. 27, 1880, the Youngstown Library Association became official with the signing of Articles of Incorporation by a group which included Library namesake Reuben McMillan, then Superintendent of Schools. In his memory, the association’s name was changed to the Reuben McMillan Free Library Association on March 5, 1898, and has remained as such. Among the early signers were two Youngstown schoolteachers, two Physicians, and Reuben McMillan. Mr. McMillan devoted his life to the intellectual development of the city’s youth. Reuben McMillan also served as president of the Library’s Board of Trustees.