115 Years Ago, 1910 transcribed as originally published in the Youngstown Vindicator:

“Handsome new library opened today. Reuben McMillan Free Public Library a credit to the city and those who planned it — doors will be opened until 10 o’clock this evening so all interested may visit the people’s building.”

“The Reuben McMillan Free library was opened to the general public at 10 o’clock Saturday morning. The people of the city were permitted to get their first glimpse of this most beautiful building. The trustees and librarians were on hand to show visitors through the various departments. Flowers were in profusion and an orchestra played throughout the day. To those who were not able to get in during the day it might be said that the building will be open until 10 o’clock Saturday evening.

“Above the bronzed doors at the front is the inscription, “For the People.” No better motto could have been adopted, for the library is maintained by the city of Youngstown and its use is free to all the people of Youngstown. Contained in the library are 40,000 books for business and professional men, workers in the trades and industries, for teachers, students, mechanics, club and literary and fiction and readers. With the assistance of one of the librarians information on most any subject can be found. It has been the aim of the trustees to make it possible for every man, woman and child to read books without cost, and the vast number of books that are on the shelves would indicate that the library can furnish at least the majority of people with reading matter. Also when it is considered that for the year ending 1919, 83,993 volumes were loaned for home use and the total attendance in the reading rooms was 43,961 it shows the vast number of people who take advantage of the privileges offered by the library.

“To Miss Anna L. Morse, librarian, must be given much credit, for it was due to her efforts that Andrew Carnegie gave the $50,000 that made the new building a possibility. The building committee, of which Mason Evans is chairman, are also deserving of praise, for to them must be given the credit of choosing the plans for one of Youngstown’s most artistic buildings, and then personally supervising its construction.

“The following are the trustees and officers of the library and it is to these people that all praise must be given for the splendid building and its contents which are now at your disposal:

“Trustees and Officials — Dr. Ida Clarke, president; J.H. McEwen, vice president; M.I. Arms, Annie A Bonnell, N.H. Chaney, A.W. Craver, Mason Evans, Susanna Felton, G.L. Fordyce, W.L. Griswold, B. Hirshberg, W.A. Maline, Sarah J. Peterson, David Tod, J.P. Wilson.

“Executive Committee — Dr. Ida Clare, A.W. Craver, B. Hirshberg, W.A. Maline, J.H. McEwen, Sarah J. Peterson.

“Book Committee — Sarah J. Peterson, chairman; Dr. Ida Clarke, Louisa M. Edwards, Hugh Grant, B. Hirshberg, A.L. Morse, J.P. Wilson.

“Building Committee — Mason Evans, chairman, G.L. Fordyce, B. Hirshberg. Treasurer — J. Howard Parker. Secretary and Librarian — Anna L. Morse….

“It was a matter of general regret at the library Saturday that Mr. Evans could not be here. The library trustees, especially, were disappointed, knowing how much time and thought he had given the construction and how much he would have enjoyed being present at the opening. They desire to thank Mr. Evans publicly through the Vindicator for his work.”

• Compiled by Dante Bernard, museum educator at the Mahoning Valley Historical Society