Youngstown Foundation gives $100,000 for Main renovation

The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County has received $100,000 from The Youngstown Foundation for Main Library’s lobby renovation.

“We are proud to accept this generous donation on behalf of the Main Library and the patrons that we serve,” said Deborah Liptak, PLYMC development director. “This gift will help us to change the lives of the Valley residents who will walk through this grand lobby every day.”

“This incredible donation showcases the great partnership between the Library and The Youngstown Foundation as we both commit to restoring the Main Library and enhancing services for our patrons,” said Aimee Fifarek, PLYMC director and CEO.

The donation will support a new entrance and information hub which will serve as Main Library’s directional guide, ensuring that patrons are informed of the Library’s materials and services. It will be the first room that patrons will enter once Main Library’s renovation is completed next year.

“The Youngstown Foundation has been a longtime advocate of Universal Design – promoting the accessibility of buildings by all people regardless of their age, size, ability or disability. We are proud to contribute to Main Library’s renovation project and support its next chapter of providing accessible services to residents across the Mahoning Valley,” said Lynnette Forde, president of The Youngstown Foundation.

“The Board of Trustees of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County is grateful for The Youngstown Foundation’s gift, which will significantly enhance the entrance to the renovated Main Library and continue to ensure that all patrons are provided the top quality services that the Library provides every day,” said Carole Weimer, president of the PLYMC Board of Trustees.

Main Library will reopen to the public on Jan. 3. During the continuing construction project, all public services will take place on the second floor and in the recently opened Family Engagement Area. Renovations on the Main Library began in August of 2020 and are expected to be completed in early 2022.

Main Library will be closed to the public through the end of the year to allow staff the time to move materials from the Grand Reading Room and to prepare the second floor for public service. During this temporary closure, curbside dropoff at Main Library will not be available. Patrons can return materials at any other open Library branch and access online services on the Library website.

Deborah Liptak, Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County development director (left), Lynnette Forde, president of The Youngstown Foundation and Aimee Fifarek, PLYMC director and CEO.

Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County

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