South Lorain Branch History

1903

While the Carnegie Library was under construction, librarians established a delivery station in the old YMCA building on East 28th Street to serve South Lorain.

1906

Librarians emphasized the importance of bringing books directly to working residents rather than expecting them to travel long distances.

1907

The station moved to Chapin’s Dry Goods Store and circulated about 100 books weekly.

1908

Circulation increased to 5,000 books within a year.

1909

Hours were increased, but more space was needed for programming.

1910

The branch operated three days per week and circulated 8,500 books.

1911

Growing demand began to inconvenience the host location and the branch was moved to the YMCA building.

1912

The branch relocated to a separate YMCA room and operated two days per week.

1914

Circulation reached near capacity and additional hours were recommended.

1915

Efforts to reach night school students were largely unsuccessful.

1916

School outreach increased youth registration.

1917

The branch outgrew its YMCA space.

1920

After a fire, the branch temporarily relocated to Lowell School.

1921

Trustees requested dedicated space in YMCA rebuilding plans.

1922

The branch returned to the YMCA but faced space limitations. It was moved temporarily to the basement of the Lowell School during the construction.

1925

The first official branch library was established in the new YMCA building.

1926

Circulation reached new highs and demand exceeded seating capacity.

1930

A catalog of Hungarian materials was created for community use.

1934

The branch moved to a rented building at 3059 Pearl Avenue.

1936

Demand for foreign-language materials increased.

1938

Foreign-language materials were heavily circulated through partnerships.

1942

Circulation declined during wartime, but demand for technical materials increased.

1943

Staff shortages reduced hours and programs.

1944

The branch led in collection size and borrowers but discontinued summer reading.

1945

Usage declined due to wartime population shifts.

1946

Circulation and reference use increased.

1947

Adult registration rose and diverse patron groups frequented the branch.

1949

The Lorain County Art League installed a display.

1951

Naturalization study increased.

1952

The branch expanded its multilingual collection and saw increased migration.

1957

The branch moved to 3008 Grove Avenue in a leased storefront on the corner of Route 57 and East 30th Street.

1959

A card catalog was introduced.

1964

Additional foreign-language materials were added.

1968

The Grove Avenue location was remodeled and expanded to 1,368 square feet.

1970

Project Libros expanded Spanish-language services and outreach.

1972

The first bilingual librarian was appointed.

1974

A second bilingual librarian was appointed.

1975

Project Discover expanded outreach and services, though budget cuts reduced staffing.

1982

The Grove Avenue branch was enlarged again to 3,910 square feet and remodeled.

1984

Computer systems were upgraded.

1987

Programming expanded significantly.

1990

A computer users group was established.

1991

Spanish story times were introduced.

1994

Grants funded expanded youth collections and cultural materials.

1996

The Friends group was formed.

1997

Planning began for a new building.

1998

Land was purchased on Homewood Drive and designs completed by David Holzheimer Associate Architects of Chargrin Falls for the current building.

1999

Groundbreaking took place March 21 and construction began.

2000

The new 13,000-square-foot facility opened March 13 with a grand opening celebration held May 21.

2001

The branch received a community award.

2002

Demand for services increased despite funding challenges.

2005

The Emery K. Smith Reading Garden was dedicated. The $25,000 donation from Elisabeth Allison of Belmont, Massachusetts and Marta Kirsch of Pepper Pike, Ohio, was given in honor of their father, Emery K. Smith and his fellow Hungarian immigrants.

2009

Technology and printing services were upgraded.

2011

Residents passed an operating levy.

2013

Diverse programming expanded and large community events were held.

2014

Spanish materials were centralized and Sunday hours added.

2015

Programming and facility updates expanded significantly.

2016

Technology upgrades and writing programs expanded.

2017

Major renovations included a redesigned circulation desk, a relocated children’s area and adult seating area with outlets for personal electronic devices.

2018

Food and Fun programs and STEM activities expanded.

2019

The Go Lorain Bike Share Program was launched in collaboration with Lorain County Public Health, Lorain County Metro Parks and the Lorain County Community Action Agency. The South Branch began lending adult bikes, bike helmets and bike locks. Early literacy and author programming continued.

2020

COVID-19 prompted temporary closure, expanded digital services and curbside pickup. Culinary programming was introduced.

2021

Community assistance expanded along with major exhibits and partnerships.

2022

A Freedge program, outreach events and new services were introduced. Naloxone boxes and new play stations were installed.

2023

Community engagement expanded through new programs and partnerships.

2024

The branch supported tornado recovery efforts and expanded food and urban farming programs. Solar eclipse glasses were distributed and recycled.

2026

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