9. Stark County District Library, Canton, OH

Press Contact: Linda Dahl, 330-458-2699, ldahl@starklibrary.org
Web Site: http://www.starklibrary.org/

External view of the Stark County District Library.

The Stark County District Library has been serving Stark County, Ohio, for 125 years, and is adept at responding to the needs of its community. Through strong early literacy efforts for mothers and their children, art and theater programs for Stark County kids, and employment assistance classes and job fairs for out-of-work adults, the library is able to fulfill its mission of “inspiring ideas, enriching lives, and creating community.” For a county rebuilding after a widespread economic downturn, this mission – and the varied and effective programming it has spurred – is a promise that the library will remain a constant in Stark County, and be there to help the community recover and ultimately flourish.

U.S. Representative John Boccieri (OH-16) “As a frequent visitor to the Stark County District Library, I know first-hand the friendly faces that fill the library and the great lengths to which the staff goes to provide helpful resources for our county. Despite budget cuts and other economic hardships, the Stark County District Library maintains the highest levels of quality service, making sure our communities have access to the materials we need.”

U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (OH) “I’m proud to congratulate the Stark County Library as a 2009 National Medal winner and to commend the people who make this important resource possible . This library is a model in its dedication to serving and inspiring the Stark County community. I wish it all the continued success in the years to come.”