Akron-Summit County Public Library
Encyclopedia
The Akron-Summit County Public Library is “recognized locally as an essential community asset, and nationally as one of the finest public libraries in the United States due to its excellent customer service, collaborative community involvement, and high level of customer and employee satisfaction” (ASCPL Vision Statement). The system has 5,114,651 books and items in its collection. It has evolved into one of the area’s busiest places to gather for programs and meetings, serving 5,842,641 visitors in 2008 and 309,373 library cardholders. The Akron
-Summit County
Public Library includes a Main Library, 17 branch libraries and Mobile Services.
In 2009, the Akron-Summit County Public Library was named a top ten library in the nation in the newly released Hennen American Public Library Ratings, published by independent researcher Thomas J. Hennen, Jr. The library was awarded the highest possible rating – Five Stars – in the Library Journal Index of Public Library Service. (“America’s Star Libraries,” Library Journal, 2/15/09).
The library’s history dates back to 1874, when the City Council passed an ordinance to provide a free public library for the city of Akron. Due to the library’s rapid growth, it was moved in 1904 to a new building funded by Andrew Carnegie
. A growing collection necessitated another move until construction of a new Main Library began in 1965; it opened in 1969. Changing technology and the need for more services led to an additional expansion that meant temporarily relocating Main Library in 2001 until the project was completed in 2004. Divisions within Main Library include:
The library’s outreach services began in 1946, with bookmobile service to rural communities. Today, the Mobile Services department continues to extend library services beyond library buildings to children and adults in a number of different settings. Two bookmobiles visit schools, daycare centers, Head Start programs, and neighborhoods during the school year and in the summer. A van serves many senior citizens’ housing facilities and apartments using carts of materials brought inside to residents. Nursing homes and other residential facilities receive monthly deliveries of library materials. Mobile Services supports two libraries at the Summit County Jail and provides regular service to other correctional facilities for both adults and children. The Library Express Delivery Service (LEDS) provides library materials to the homebound via U.S. Postal Service. Postage is paid both ways by the Library.
East Branch Library (now Goodyear Branch) was the first branch library, constructed in 1939. Prior to that, branch libraries were in locations as diverse as the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company’s recreational hall, a department store, a church, and a local school. The system’s branches are Ellet, Fairlawn-Bath, Firestone Park, Goodyear, Green, Highland Square, Kenmore, Maple Valley, Mogadore, Nordonia Hills, North Hill, Northwest Akron, Norton, Odom Boulevard, Portage Lakes, Richfield, and Tallmadge. Most of the branch libraries underwent extensive renovation between 1999 and 2008 to accommodate the growing needs of current residents throughout Summit County.
The library has a history of supporting local artists by acquiring and installing their works at Main Library and all branches. As renovations took place, local artists were commissioned to create works of art that were designed and installed specifically at Main Library and each branch.
Serving teens and children is an important aspect of the library’s mission. Teen Services throughout the system offer study resources, educational support and a wide range of activities for youth. Over the years, a wide variety of children’s programming has emerged throughout the system. Special attention has been paid to developing an exceptional Children’s Library at Main, with a Resources for Early Childhood Educators Center. Caregivers and educators make use of a Lab and its equipment, and materials geared to assist in the education of young children. The Akron-Summit County Public Library is committed to promoting reading readiness in conjunction with local and state funded programs for early childhood education. The library also takes a lead role with This City Reads in addressing literacy issues and providing access to technology, computer programs and electronic services while collaborating with school districts and home schooling associations throughout Summit County.
A few of the outstanding features of the Akron-Summit County Public Library include:
The Akron-Summit County Public Library system serves Akron, Ohio
and all of Summit County
except for Stow
, Munroe Falls
, Cuyahoga Falls
, Hudson
, Peninsula
, and Barberton
, which have their own libraries.
.
Akron, Ohio
Akron , is the fifth largest city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the county seat of Summit County. It is located in the Great Lakes region approximately south of Lake Erie along the Little Cuyahoga River. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 199,110. The Akron Metropolitan...
-Summit County
Summit County, Ohio
Summit County is an urban county located in the state of Ohio, United States. As of the 2000 census, the population was 542,899. In the 2010 Census the population was 541,781. Its county seat is Akron...
Public Library includes a Main Library, 17 branch libraries and Mobile Services.
In 2009, the Akron-Summit County Public Library was named a top ten library in the nation in the newly released Hennen American Public Library Ratings, published by independent researcher Thomas J. Hennen, Jr. The library was awarded the highest possible rating – Five Stars – in the Library Journal Index of Public Library Service. (“America’s Star Libraries,” Library Journal, 2/15/09).
The library’s history dates back to 1874, when the City Council passed an ordinance to provide a free public library for the city of Akron. Due to the library’s rapid growth, it was moved in 1904 to a new building funded by Andrew Carnegie
Andrew Carnegie
Andrew Carnegie was a Scottish-American industrialist, businessman, and entrepreneur who led the enormous expansion of the American steel industry in the late 19th century...
. A growing collection necessitated another move until construction of a new Main Library began in 1965; it opened in 1969. Changing technology and the need for more services led to an additional expansion that meant temporarily relocating Main Library in 2001 until the project was completed in 2004. Divisions within Main Library include:
- Audio Visual Services
- Business & Government
- Children’s Library
- History & Humanities
- Magazines & Newspapers
- Mobile Services
- Popular Culture
- Science & Technology
- Special Collections
- Teens
The library’s outreach services began in 1946, with bookmobile service to rural communities. Today, the Mobile Services department continues to extend library services beyond library buildings to children and adults in a number of different settings. Two bookmobiles visit schools, daycare centers, Head Start programs, and neighborhoods during the school year and in the summer. A van serves many senior citizens’ housing facilities and apartments using carts of materials brought inside to residents. Nursing homes and other residential facilities receive monthly deliveries of library materials. Mobile Services supports two libraries at the Summit County Jail and provides regular service to other correctional facilities for both adults and children. The Library Express Delivery Service (LEDS) provides library materials to the homebound via U.S. Postal Service. Postage is paid both ways by the Library.
East Branch Library (now Goodyear Branch) was the first branch library, constructed in 1939. Prior to that, branch libraries were in locations as diverse as the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company’s recreational hall, a department store, a church, and a local school. The system’s branches are Ellet, Fairlawn-Bath, Firestone Park, Goodyear, Green, Highland Square, Kenmore, Maple Valley, Mogadore, Nordonia Hills, North Hill, Northwest Akron, Norton, Odom Boulevard, Portage Lakes, Richfield, and Tallmadge. Most of the branch libraries underwent extensive renovation between 1999 and 2008 to accommodate the growing needs of current residents throughout Summit County.
The library has a history of supporting local artists by acquiring and installing their works at Main Library and all branches. As renovations took place, local artists were commissioned to create works of art that were designed and installed specifically at Main Library and each branch.
Serving teens and children is an important aspect of the library’s mission. Teen Services throughout the system offer study resources, educational support and a wide range of activities for youth. Over the years, a wide variety of children’s programming has emerged throughout the system. Special attention has been paid to developing an exceptional Children’s Library at Main, with a Resources for Early Childhood Educators Center. Caregivers and educators make use of a Lab and its equipment, and materials geared to assist in the education of young children. The Akron-Summit County Public Library is committed to promoting reading readiness in conjunction with local and state funded programs for early childhood education. The library also takes a lead role with This City Reads in addressing literacy issues and providing access to technology, computer programs and electronic services while collaborating with school districts and home schooling associations throughout Summit County.
A few of the outstanding features of the Akron-Summit County Public Library include:
- A wide variety of computer classes that are free and open to the public
- Access to 535 computers and wireless Internet connections
- Membership in SearchOhioSearchOhioSearchOhio is a consortium of 19 public libraries in the state of Ohio that provides borrowing access to more than 10 million items, including books, movies and music. SearchOhio’s aims to provide easy access to information and rapid delivery of library materials throughout the state...
, which provides access to more than 11 million additional items in participating Ohio public libraries - Summit Memory Project, an online scrapbook of Summit County history
- Designation as a Patent & Trademark Depository Library and a Federal Depository Library
- Nonprofit Resources Center, which offers information and programs on grantseeking and fundraising
- Science Fair Project Index
- Project LEARN (inside Main Library–Lower Level)
The Akron-Summit County Public Library system serves Akron, Ohio
Akron, Ohio
Akron , is the fifth largest city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the county seat of Summit County. It is located in the Great Lakes region approximately south of Lake Erie along the Little Cuyahoga River. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 199,110. The Akron Metropolitan...
and all of Summit County
Summit County, Ohio
Summit County is an urban county located in the state of Ohio, United States. As of the 2000 census, the population was 542,899. In the 2010 Census the population was 541,781. Its county seat is Akron...
except for Stow
Stow, Ohio
Stow is a city in Summit County, Ohio, United States. The population was 32,139 at the 2000 census and 33,899 as of 2008. It is a suburban community that is part of the Akron metropolitan area. Stow is located adjacent to several other suburban communities in Summit and Portage Counties...
, Munroe Falls
Munroe Falls, Ohio
Munroe Falls is a city located in the east-central portion of Summit County, Ohio, United States, between Stow and Tallmadge. It is a suburb of Akron and is part of the Akron Metropolitan Statistical Area...
, Cuyahoga Falls
Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio
As of the census of 2000, there were 49,374 people, 21,655 households, and 13,317 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,932.9 people per square mile . There were 22,727 housing units at an average density of 889.7 per square mile...
, Hudson
Hudson, Ohio
Hudson is a city in Summit County, Ohio, United States. The population was 22,262 at the 2010 census. It is an affluent exurban community and is part of the Akron, Ohio Metropolitan Statistical Area...
, Peninsula
Peninsula, Ohio
Peninsula is a village in Summit County, Ohio, United States. The population was 602 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Akron Metropolitan Statistical Area....
, and Barberton
Barberton, Ohio
As of the census of 2000, there were 27,899 people, 11,523 households, and 7,443 families residing in the city. The population density was 3,095.2 people per square mile . There were 12,163 housing units at an average density of 1,349.4 per square mile...
, which have their own libraries.
Main Library
The Main Library is located at 60 South High Street, downtown AkronAkron, Ohio
Akron , is the fifth largest city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the county seat of Summit County. It is located in the Great Lakes region approximately south of Lake Erie along the Little Cuyahoga River. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 199,110. The Akron Metropolitan...
.
Mobile Services
Mobile Services is located at 60 South High Street, downtown Akron, in the lower level of the Main Library.Branches
There are 17 branches in the Akron-Summit County Public Library system.- Ellet Branch, 2470 East Market Street, Akron, OhioAkron, OhioAkron , is the fifth largest city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the county seat of Summit County. It is located in the Great Lakes region approximately south of Lake Erie along the Little Cuyahoga River. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 199,110. The Akron Metropolitan...
44312-1484 - Fairlawn-Bath Branch, 3101 Smith Road, Bath Township, OhioBath Township, Summit County, OhioBath Township is one of the nine townships of Summit County, Ohio, United States. The 2000 census found 9,635 people in the township.-Geography:Located in the western part of the county, it borders the following townships and cities:...
44333-2613 - Firestone Park Branch, 1486 Aster Avenue, Akron, OhioAkron, OhioAkron , is the fifth largest city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the county seat of Summit County. It is located in the Great Lakes region approximately south of Lake Erie along the Little Cuyahoga River. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 199,110. The Akron Metropolitan...
44301-2100 - Goodyear Branch, 60 Goodyear Boulevard, Akron, OhioAkron, OhioAkron , is the fifth largest city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the county seat of Summit County. It is located in the Great Lakes region approximately south of Lake Erie along the Little Cuyahoga River. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 199,110. The Akron Metropolitan...
44305-4060 - Green Branch, 4046 Massillon Road, Green, OhioGreen, OhioGreen is a suburban city in Summit County, Ohio, United States. The population was 25,699 at the 2010 census. It is located almost exactly midway between the cities of Akron and Canton, although it is part of the Akron Metropolitan Statistical Area.-History:...
44685-7867 - Highland Square Branch, 807 West Market Street, Akron, OhioAkron, OhioAkron , is the fifth largest city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the county seat of Summit County. It is located in the Great Lakes region approximately south of Lake Erie along the Little Cuyahoga River. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 199,110. The Akron Metropolitan...
44303-1010 - Kenmore Branch, 969 Kenmore Boulevard, Akron, OhioAkron, OhioAkron , is the fifth largest city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the county seat of Summit County. It is located in the Great Lakes region approximately south of Lake Erie along the Little Cuyahoga River. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 199,110. The Akron Metropolitan...
44314-2151 - Maple Valley Branch, 1187 Copley Road, Akron, OhioAkron, OhioAkron , is the fifth largest city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the county seat of Summit County. It is located in the Great Lakes region approximately south of Lake Erie along the Little Cuyahoga River. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 199,110. The Akron Metropolitan...
44320-2767 - Mogadore Branch, 144 South Cleveland Avenue, Mogadore, OhioMogadore, OhioMogadore is a village in Portage and Summit counties in the U.S. state of Ohio. It is a suburb of Akron and is part of the Akron Metropolitan Statistical Area...
44260-1443 - Nordonia Hills Branch, 9458 Olde Eight Road, Northfield, OhioNorthfield, OhioNorthfield is a village in Summit County, Ohio, United States. The population was 3,827 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Akron Metropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:Northfield is located at ....
44067-1952 - North Hill Branch, 183 East Cuyahoga Falls Avenue, Akron, OhioAkron, OhioAkron , is the fifth largest city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the county seat of Summit County. It is located in the Great Lakes region approximately south of Lake Erie along the Little Cuyahoga River. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 199,110. The Akron Metropolitan...
44310-3055 - Northwest Akron Branch, 1720 Shatto Avenue, Akron, OhioAkron, OhioAkron , is the fifth largest city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the county seat of Summit County. It is located in the Great Lakes region approximately south of Lake Erie along the Little Cuyahoga River. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 199,110. The Akron Metropolitan...
44313-6327 - Norton Branch, 3930 Cleveland-Massillon Road, Norton, OhioNorton, OhioNorton is a city in Summit and Wayne counties in the U.S. state of Ohio. The population was 11,523 at the 2000 census.The Summit County portion of Norton is part of the Akron Metropolitan Statistical Area, while the small portion in Wayne County is part of the Wooster Micropolitan Statistical...
44203-5612 - Odom Boulevard Branch, 600 Vernon Odom Boulevard, Akron, OhioAkron, OhioAkron , is the fifth largest city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the county seat of Summit County. It is located in the Great Lakes region approximately south of Lake Erie along the Little Cuyahoga River. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 199,110. The Akron Metropolitan...
44307-1828 - Portage Lakes Branch, 4261 Manchester Road, New Franklin, OhioNew Franklin, OhioNew Franklin is a city located at the southern edge of Summit County, Ohio, United States, in the northeastern part of the state. It is bounded by Coventry Township, as well as the cities of Barberton and Norton to the north; by Chippewa Township, Wayne County; by Clinton to the southwest; by Green...
44319-2659 - Richfield Branch, 3761 Grant Street, Richfield, OhioRichfield, OhioRichfield is a village in Summit County, Ohio, United States. The population was 3,286 at the 2000 census. The village and the adjacent Richfield Township are approximately equidistant between the downtown areas of Akron and Cleveland...
44286-9603 - Tallmadge Branch, 90 Community Road, Tallmadge, OhioTallmadge, OhioAs of the census of 2000, there were 16,390 people, 6,273 households, and 4,711 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,173.9 people per square mile . There were 6,494 housing units at an average density of 465.1 per square mile...
44278-2355