1901

The Lorain Public Library Association was incorporated on April 22 and operated in rented quarters for a period.

1902

The Library trustees selected the northeast corner of Streator Park on West 10th Street as the site for a library funded by a $30,000 Carnegie Foundation grant.

1903

The cornerstone for the new library was laid on August 19.

1904

The Carnegie Library was dedicated May 30. The building opened with about 2,000 books, a children's area and a club room. Construction costs limited early collection growth.

1905

The library expanded foreign-language collections and hosted public lectures to fund acquisitions. Children’s story programs began drawing large crowds.

1906

Use of the children's department grew steadily and nearly half of circulation consisted of children’s materials.

1907

Foreign-language collections were heavily used. Reference work increased significantly, especially among students.

1908

Children’s programming expanded and foreign-language collections continued to grow.

1909

Circulation of foreign-language materials increased and a typewriter was added.

1910

The collection grew to more than 8,000 volumes and circulation exceeded 57,000 annually. Story hours remained popular.

1911

Book loss declined and fewer books were destroyed due to disease.

1912

The library became a community showplace and hosted educational instruction.

1913

Club room use reached a record high.

1915

Historical materials supported research on Lorain County.

1916

School outreach increased youth registration.

1917

Reference inquiries increased and demand for foreign-language materials remained strong.

1920

The building was redecorated and usage increased.

1921

Additional shelving was installed.

1922

Reference services expanded and historical preservation efforts continued.

1924

Despite minor losses, the library remained open shortly after a devastating tornado.

1925

Meeting spaces were made available for community use.

1926

Interior improvements were completed.

1927

The roof was repaired.

1929

The children’s room moved to the first floor.

1934

Foreign-language collections expanded.

1936

Demand for additional foreign-language books continued.

1937

Interest in radio and music-related materials increased.

1938

A new roof and furnishings were added.

1939

Improved lighting and shelving were needed.

1940

Roof leaks caused damage and highlighted the need for a new building.

1941

Modest improvements were completed.

1942

The library became a War Information Center.

1944

Facility limitations became more apparent and expansion needs were recognized.

1945

Postwar demand shifted toward practical information needs.

1946

A levy campaign for a new building on Sixth Street and Reid was launched and the approved by voters.

1948

Audiovisual services expanded and public programming increased.

1949

Film services and phonograph collections attracted new users.

1951

The first National Library Day was celebrated.

1952

Land was purchased for a new library building.

1953

Architects were hired and planning advanced.

1954

Site preparation and design consultation continued. Hours were expanded.

1956

Construction planning progressed and staff training expanded.

1957

The new building opened on Sixth Street and circulation increased significantly.

1958

Reference demand increased, including popular culture inquiries.

1959

Circulation reached more than 185,000 items.

1960

The Carnegie building was transferred to the city.

1961

Limited funding reduced summer hours.

1963

A duplicator became available for patron use.

1964

Foreign-language collections expanded.

1966

Reading groups continued.

1967

A firebomb caused damage to the children's area.

1968

New services including microfilm and story times were introduced.

1969

Senior outreach services began.

1970

Project Libros expanded services to Spanish-speaking residents.

1971

Outreach and programming grew significantly.

1974

Major grant-funded programs expanded services and collections.

1975

Budget cuts reduced staffing and hours.

1977

Film and music collections expanded.

1978

Accessibility and microform services improved.

1981

Public computer access was introduced and community programming expanded.

1982

Accessibility improvements were added.

1983

Thanks in part to a $456,000 Library Services and Construction Act (LSCA) grant from the State Library of Ohio, the Board of Trustees approved a 17,000 square foot two-story addition, remodel and parking lot expansion.

1984

Programs and policies expanded and construction continued.

1985

The expansion project was completed bringing the total square footage to approximately 61,000.

1987

Community programming continued.

1989

Children’s programming expanded.

1991

Computerized systems were introduced and services expanded.

1992

Career services were introduced.

1993

Online database searching expanded services.

1994

Cultural collections and the Toni Morrison Reading Room were established.

1995

The Toni Morrison Reading Room was dedicated.

1996

Friends group and family programming expanded.

1997

Technology upgrades continued with a computer resources room that centralized word
processing and internet access computer for patrons.

1998

Partnerships and facility improvements expanded.

1999

Community programming continued.

2000

Digital access and programming expanded.

2001

The Main Library celebrated its 100th birthday with the addition of a child-scaled model of the Lorain lighthouse to the Children’s area and a wall mural depicting the city’s Lake Erie shore. Technology resources for the public increased with over three dozen public Internet access computers and free Wi-Fi Internet access.

2002

Budget challenges led to reduced hours and service restructuring.

2008

Educational activity kits were introduced.

2009

Technology upgrades and community events expanded.

2010

Renovations improved accessibility and services.

2012

Programs and partnerships expanded.

2013

Community programming and building improvements increased.

2014

Reorganization improved services and expanded programming.

2015

Local history and arts programming grew.

2016

Health and wellness programming expanded. Operating levy was passed.

2017

Early literacy and community initiatives expanded.

2018

Major renovations improved facilities and services.

2019

Community partnerships expanded programming and services.

2020

COVID-19 led to temporary closure, expanded digital services and curbside pickup. Create Space and culinary programming were introduced.

2021

Urban farming and health initiatives expanded community engagement.

2022

New programs, partnerships and services were introduced.

2023

Programming increased significantly and new initiatives were launched.

2024

Community programs, research initiatives and urban farming expanded.

2026

Lorain Public Library System celebrated its 125th anniversary with events at each branch.