YOUNGSTOWN—September is National Library Card Sign-Up Month—the perfect time for residents to stop into their closest Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County (PLYMC) branch and explore everything a free library card offers. Learn more about signing up for a Library card here, opens a new window.
PLYMC offers everything from early literacy programs to digital resources, like our Mobile WiFi Hotspot Rental Program and iPad Rental Program, opens a new window, helping transform lives and communities through education. At PLYMC, patrons will find a wide variety of educational resources and activities, including children’s STEM programming, business skills development opportunities, grant writing, and technology training. View our calendar of events, opens a new window to browse upcoming programs.
Modern libraries like PLYMC offer much more than books and movies. PLYMC’s MakerSpace, opens a new window at the Michael Kusalaba Branch contains a 3D printer and scanner, a laser engraver, a vinyl printer, a digital archiving lab—to convert old home movies into the latest technology—and more. The DIY Space, opens a new window at Main Library features a 3D printer, Cricut's, sewing machines, and a one-touch-recording studio. Knowledgeable staff are available to assist patrons with the equipment at both locations.
Main Library also features its brand new Culinary Literacy Center, opens a new window, which opened earlier this year. In this space, people of all ages are given the tools they need to make nutritious meals and lead healthier lives. Through food and cooking, we can advance math and reading skills, improve community health, celebrate culture, and so much more. Events and programs are coming soon!
A Library card can also help patrons enjoy free or discounted local activities, like discounted YSU Football tickets for the Saturday, September 3 game against Duquesne. Show your Library card at the Stambaugh ticket office prior to game day for $10 tickets. There is a maximum of four discounted tickets.
Since 1987, Library Card Sign-up Month has been held each September to mark the beginning of the school year. During the month, the ALA and libraries work together in a national effort to ensure every child signs up for their own library card.
Follow PLYMC on social media (Facebook, opens a new window, Twitter, opens a new window, Instagram, opens a new window, and TikTok, opens a new window) and check www.libraryvisit.org, opens a new window for updates.
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 15 branches across Mahoning County, including our Main Library in downtown Youngstown, the PLYMC is well known for signature services and programs like Summer Discovery and 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten. The mission and values of PLYMC to “connect, inspire, and enrich” position the Library to serve our communities by preparing children for kindergarten, promoting early literacy, assisting job seekers, connecting Valley residents to technology, and providing resources for small businesses.
