New library branch opens in Canfield

January 31, 2016 at 12:10a.m.

CANFIELD

Perhaps you want your youngsters to be subjected to research-based learning centers that provide them with fun and educational ways to develop critical-thinking skills and stimulate their interest in reading.

Or perhaps you simply wish to check out your favorite novel or compact disc.

All of that and much more can be achieved under one new roof.

“It’s extraordinarily gratifying to me to see this all come together,” Heidi M. Daniel said during Saturday’s dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of the Canfield Branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County, at 43 W. Main St.

Daniel, the PLYMC’s executive director, was among several hundred library and elected officials, students and others who attended the three-hour program to usher in the new $5.3 million, 18,500-square-foot facility. It replaces the 6,000-square-foot building that had been at the same location before it was razed in 2014.

Unique features include a children’s early-learning center that is a combination play area and interactive learning center with colorful exhibits to enhance reading and numerous language concepts, Daniel noted.

“I hope children learn and develop, and ask their parents to bring them back over and over again,” she said.

In addition, the branch has private rooms for teens to study and do their schoolwork, along with interactive small-group meeting areas for adults. Those areas can be used for a variety of functions and gatherings, even after regular business hours, Daniel continued.

The library, which also has high, arched ceilings and a large number of windows to maximize the amount of light coming in, has an estimated 65,000 books, CDs, DVDs, magazines and other items, she said.

Close to the main entrance is a self-serve

coffee bar, which is adjacent to an 81-square-foot section that resembles a small living room, the executive director added.

In her remarks, Daniel thanked former director Carlton Sears for having worked to acquire the property for the expansion of the newest of the county’s 15 branches. She also recognized the efforts of a capital campaign that raised more than $700,000 for the facility.

“It’s been packed all week. A lot of kids have been using the facility after school,” said Janet S. Loew, the library system’s public-relations director.

Loew noted that the facility’s central location likely will make it a draw for people throughout the county. Also, the new branch was designed to serve a wider area, which will make it easier for the public to access a greater amount of material, she explained.

“It’s [also] more cost-effective for us to have a bigger facility serving more people,” Loew added.

The building is the result of at least 10 years’ worth of fundraising and planning, which included forming a steering committee in 2008. The group’s main objectives were to determine the library’s most suitable location and assess the community’s needs, noted Deborah Liptak, PLYMC development director.

“The library is creating lifelong readers and successful students,” added Dr. David Ritchie, board of trustees’ president.

Making additional comments during the program were state Rep. John Boccieri of Poland, D-59th; state Sen. Joe Schiavoni of Boardman, D-33rd; Canfield Mayor Bernie Kosar; township Trustee Brian Governor; and representatives with the offices of U.S. Rep. Bill Johnson of Marietta, R-6th, and U.S. Sen. Rob Portman, R-Cincinnati.

The Rev. Larry Bowald, pastor of Canfield Presbyterian Church, gave the invocation. Providing the entertainment were the Canfield High School cheerleaders, the Canfield Middle School pep band and Stage Left Dance & Theater Arts Academy.