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Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the Akron Main Library, built in 1969, and learn about how the architectural practice of adaptive reuse was implemented in the 2004 expansion.
You know that the library building that you remember from your youth is still on South Main Street, right?
Explore Akron history as current and former librarians will tell stories and offer a tour throughout the 1969 portion of the Main Library, now mostly used as staff work areas.
Alice Christie will join us from Progress Through Preservation, a local organization dedicated to maintaining the architectural and historical significance of Akron’s buildings and neighborhoods. Christie will speak on the benefits of the practice of adaptive reuse, where existing buildings are redesigned and expanded for the 21st century, and discuss other similar projects around Akron.
Our Special Collections team will give a brief history of the library as a fixture of Downtown Akron over the past 150 years.
We’d also love to hear your stories and memories of visiting the Main Library! So come and learn, discuss, and explore one of the spaces that define Downtown Akron.
Akron on Foot is a new series from the Akron-Summit County Public Library, where we’ll take short walking tours to explore and enjoy Downtown Akron’s history through landmarks and special locations.
For questions or additional information, contact the Culture & AV Division at 330.643.9015 or cadiv@akronlibrary.org.
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EVENT TYPE: | Special Events | History | Community Discussion |
Main Library, located in the heart of downtown Akron, combines compelling public space with meaningful and relevant public library services for all members of our community. Since opening in 2004, the downtown library welcomes more than one million visitors each year.
Subject divisions include: Business, Government & Science, Culture & AV, Magazines & Newspapers, Special Collections (local history & genealogy), TechZone@Main, Teen, and a 12,000 square feet Children's Library.
Special services available at Main Library include: a Patent & Trademark Resource Center; U.S. Passport and Notary services; a Microbusiness Center; a Maker Space; a resource lab for early childhood educators; and regularly scheduled computer training classes. Also available at Main Library are more than 125 public access computers, color photocopiers/printers, laminating, scanning, faxing, and free Wi-Fi.
Specialized spaces include a 425-seat auditorium, public meeting rooms, and a used bookstore. An interior glass block walkway leads to a 600-space parking garage owned by the City of Akron. An outdoor amphitheater and landscaped park complete the complex.
60 South High Street
Akron, Ohio 44326
330.643.9000
Our Mission: The Akron-Summit County Public Library provides resources for learning and leisure, information services, meeting spaces, and programs for all ages that support, improve, and enrich individual, family, and community life.
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