History

1855: “Sons of Temperance” subscription library established.

1866: Whittlesey Academy agreed to lend books to members of the Young Men’s Library and Reading Room Association (YML&RRA).

1899: The Academy, the YML&RRA, and the Firelands Historical Society bought the present Library site.

1903: Andrew Carnegie sent a grant of $15,000 to build a $25,000 facility, housing the Library and the Firelands Historical Museum. Benjamin F. Stewart was instrumental in the process.

1905: Opened our doors. Frank Edward Cripps, a Norwalk High School senior, checked out the first book. 

1925: First Vacation Reading Club established for the children of Norwalk. 

1926: Became the Norwalk City School District Public Library.

1949: First Library operating levy passed.

1952: First major renovation project as a result of the levy.

1957: Firelands Historical Society moved to the Preston-Wickham House.

1963: Children’s Room officially opened in basement with bequest from Nellie Parmalee.

1970: Cooperative reference plan established with the Toledo Lucas County Public Library.

1979: LSCA Grant of $14,000 received from the State Library for outreach services. Friends of the Library group formed to help with the 75th Anniversary.

1981: Ten-year building expansion bond approved.

1983: Library added 1,200 square feet that includes the ADA entrance, elevator, mezzanine, restrooms, and solaria. 

1987: Ruth A. McCrillis Endowment Fund established.

1993: New automated circulation patron terminals become operational.

1995: Deed from the Academy given to the Library and the Firelands Historical Society.

1997: Public approves .2 mil replacement levy.

1998: Ten-year Building, Technology, and Service Plan completed.
1999: The Library’s website was created. 100-year anniversary of the purchase of the 46 W. Main Street property. 20-year anniversary of The Friends of the Library.

2001: Library On-Line Public Access Catalog (OPAC) was connected to the Library website. New formats including CD/Book, DVD, and E-books were added to circulation materials. Network server donated by the Albert G. & Olive H. Schlink Foundation. Five computers donated from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. 

2002: Approval of .55 mill replacement operating levy.

2003: Library Trustees purchased 38 W. Main Street, previously Hill's Interiors, Inc.

2004: 25th anniversary of the Friends of the Norwalk Public Library.

2005: 100th anniversary celebration of the Library.

2007: Public approves a .55 mill renewal tax levy for a continuing period of time, first due in 2009.

2012: Public approves a .55 mill for a tax levy for a continuing period of time. NPL joined the CLEVNET Consortium, providing access to materials from the 40+ other library members. 

2013: Whitney-Stained Glass Studios of Cleveland, Ohio removed, restored and reinstalled the original Art Glass Skylight in the center of our main floor ceiling. 

2015: Open House to honor Mrs. Eleanor Richards; funds donated in her honor made upstairs improvements possible.

2020: All of the entryway doors and windows were replaced by Capital Windows.

2021: Carpet replaced, downstairs repainted, and a new Youth Service desk installed. 

2024: Comprehensive building assessment to determine conditions for future expansion and restoration.