July 2023 Special Needs Living Akron/Canton

Nonprofit Spotlight

The North Canton Public Library! Much more than books!

WRITTEN BY SARAH SMITH

The North Canton Public Library was founded in 1926, when the North Canton Library Association was established, with the purpose of owning and maintaining a free library for the residents of North Canton and its school district.

The library exists as a space that is free, safe, and accessible for the community, and it exists as an organization that constantly strives to meet the needs of its community. Public libraries are best known for their roles as information providers, but the North Canton Public Library is much more than just a building filled with books. Connection to resources and other individuals, enrichment through various programs for all interests and abilities, and access to materials that have the capability to instruct, inspire, and even change a life are available to library patrons.

“We take our role as a public space in the community very seriously, and we strive to be as accessible and inclusive as possible in every decision we make, program we offer, or service we share,” explained Andrea Legg, North Canton Public Library Director.

“A few years ago, we partnered with KultureCity to become a sensoryfriendly space so that more patrons would be able to use our building and attend our programs while feeling completely supported and understood. In 2020, we installed a wheelchair- charging station on our main floor so that patrons who use motorized mobility devices would never have to worry about their device losing power while they enjoy and use our building. In 2021, we introduced a universal changing table in one of our public restrooms so that everyone is given the ability to use our bathroom facilities in a way that honors their dignity and reflects our sincere value for them as our patrons. Libraries are for everyone, and we want to do all we can to ensure that our facilities, services, and programs are as accessible as we can possibly make them.”

The North Canton Public Library strives to be a catalyst of inspiration for the community. It aspires to uphold the following values in all aspects within the North Canton and Stark County community. It wants to be service-focused, providing dependable and expert service to all with kindness, integrity, and respect. The staff strives to create an environment of trust, comfort, and inclusion for all. The library desires to be community-oriented, working as an engaged community partner committed to the empowerment and growth of all community members. It encourages curiosity and innovation by offering a wide range of opportunities that increase learning, exploration, and knowledge. And, more than anything, the library intends to be accessible by adapting to changing patron needs to remain physically and virtually approachable and convenient for all.

The best way to support the public library is to use it! Signing up for a library card is free, requires only a photo ID, and is available to anyone, regardless of city of residence. Check out the annual summer reading program; it’s fun, free, and for all ages and reading levels. The library offers a wide array of books, movies, and music, but many don’t know that the library also checks out passes to local museums and zoos with the Community Exploration Pass program. The Tool Box collection provides access to everything from a variety of Cricut devices to an Apple Pencil to metal detectors. Book clubs for every interest, programs for older adults at the North Canton Civic Center, home delivery services for new parents and patrons who can’t access our building, support groups for caregivers, computer classes, and more are available through the North Canton Public Library!

“Our hope and our ultimate goal as a service organization is for anyone of any age, ability, or walk of life to enter our doors and feel welcomed, included, and valued by finding support in the resources we offer, the programs we share, and the services we provide,” Andrea said.

For more information visit www. ncantonlibrary.org or call 330-4994712. The North Canton Library is located at 185 North Main Street.