YOUNGSTOWN (April 26, 2024/For Immediate Release) – Representatives from the Valley’s two largest public library systems joined 200 other librarians across the state in Columbus this week to discuss library funding, literacy programs, and the importance of libraries in preparing people to thrive in the today’s economy through workforce development programs. Aimee Fifarek, Director and CEO of The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County (PLYMC) and Jim Wilkins, Executive Director/Fiscal Officer with Warren – Trumbull County Public Library participated in the Ohio Library Council’s (OLC) Legislative Day and met with Valley elected officials about these issues.
“Libraries are a resource that our friends and neighbors in the Valley have always turned to for a wide variety of our services.” said Aimee Fifarek. “From early literacy to teenage and adult workforce development, libraries provide programs and services to Valley residents of all ages, and they do so in a cost-effective manner. State funding through the Public Library Fund is critically important because about half of our funding comes from state funding. Most of the rest of our funding comes from local sources,” added Fifarek.
“The level of community interest in our libraries is incredible when you look at the numbers,” said Jim Wilkins. “Between our two library systems, in 2023, we had well over a million library visits and over 2 million items were checked out either in person or digitally. Almost 4,000 children participated in our summer reading programs and 136,000 participants attended programs at our libraries. We continue to be a place where people come to use our computers as well. Between us, our computers were used by the public 135,000 times last year. An investment in libraries is an investment in our community and families,” added Wilkins.
With over 7.7 million registered borrowers, Ohio’s libraries have the highest use per capita in the nation. And our state’s public libraries return $5 to Ohioans for every $1 they spend, making for a 5-to-1 Return on Investment. But this success is dependent on the strong partnership between the State of Ohio and local library systems, as well as funding from both state and local sources.
Fifarek and Wilkins would like to thank Senator Michael Rulli, Representative Lauren McNally, Representative Mike Loychik, Representative Nick Santucci, and Representative Monica Robb Blasdel.
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The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County (PLYMC) has served the Mahoning Valley since 1880 when the Youngstown Library Association was officially created. With 14 branches across Mahoning County, including Main Library in downtown Youngstown, PLYMC is well known for its signature services and programs like Summer Discovery and 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten. PLYMC serves our communities by preparing children for kindergarten, promoting early literacy, assisting job seekers, connecting Valley residents to technology, and providing resources for small businesses.
The Warren-Trumbull County Public Library system (W-TCPL) includes libraries in Brookfield, Cortland, Howland, Liberty, Lordstown, and Warren; a Bookmobile that travels throughout Trumbull County; a library-by-mail service; and a 24/7 digital library through its website at www.wtcpl.org
