Akron-Summit County Public Library - Main Library
N 41° 05.017 W 081° 31.020
17T E 456574 N 4548168
Akron-Summit County Public Library - Main Library, 60 S High St, downtown Akron
Waymark Code: WM79WX
Location: Ohio, United States
Date Posted: 09/25/2009
Views: 3
In 1874, City Council passed an ordinance to provide a free public library for Akron. In 1898, the newly established public library moved from the Masonic Temple to the second floor of the Everett Building at Main and Market Streets.
The library grew rapidly, and, in 1904 moved to a new building funded by steel baron Andrew Carnegie who, in his retirement, provided funding for the building of nearly 1800 libraries in the United States. The building, located at High and East Market Streets is currently occupied by Brennan, Manna & Diamond, LLC. The Library occupied this building until its growing collection necessitated a move in 1942, to larger quarters in the former Akron Beacon Journal building located at Summit and East Market Streets.
As early as 1958 Library officials began discussions regarding the need for a new Main Library. Library Director, Russell Munn felt strongly that this new building should be located on Main Street. In 1962, a bond issue was passed that would provide $3 million for the construction of the new library. Ground was broken on September 15, 1965, and the doors opened March 24, 1969.
The public experienced the new Main Library following a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sunday, October 10, 2004. The new Main Library is nearly twice the size of the former structure constructed in 1969 - expanding from 142,000 sq. ft to about 270,000 sq. ft. of captivating light and enlightening information: 135,000 sq. ft. each of renovation and new construction. Space allocated for customer service use has tripled. The entire former building has been renovated, with expansion to the building's north and south. Gwathmey Siegel & Associates designed the new Main Library as a flexible space ideally suited for expansion and adaptation. The new addition negotiates the twenty-five foot difference in elevation between High and Main Streets. A three-story atrium along High Street brings natural light down to the lowest Main Street level and provides orientation for all patrons. The building encompasses the most advanced applications of technology and communication systems for administrative management, the processing of library records, bibliographic and information networks. Special design consideration was given to provide the most flexible and current infrastructure for digital information. Numerous community spaces are provided, including a 425-seat auditorium, a café, a bookstore, public meeting rooms and art exhibition spaces. An interior glass block walkway leads to a new 600-space parking garage owned by the City of Akron. An outdoor amphitheater and landscaped park complete the complex.
Classification of Library: Public Library (Open to all)
Internet access available: Yes - Library Terminal: Register with Library Clerk to use
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Thursday: 9 am - 9 pm
Friday: 9 am - 6 pm
Saturday: 9 am - 5 pm
Sunday: 1 pm - 5 pm
Approximate date of opening.: 10/10/2004
Library Website: [Web Link]
Additional Internet Connection Options: Not listed
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