The Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County

What The Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County does

The Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County (PLYMC) is a public library system operating under Ohio law as a government entity, serving residents of Mahoning County from 15 branch locations anchored by the 1910 Andrew Carnegie Main Library in downtown Youngstown. The system delivers free access to physical and digital collections (books, DVDs, audiobooks, eBooks, eAudiobooks, digital magazines, streaming video, and online databases) through a BiblioCommons-powered online catalog and walk-in branch service. Beyond traditional lending, PLYMC runs an unusually broad specialty program portfolio including a Library of Things (tools, games, crafting equipment, tech devices), Makerspace/DIY facilities with 3D printers and laser engravers, a Culinary Literacy Center, a Sensory Room, meeting and study rooms, Pop-Up Library outreach, and Special Delivery home delivery for patrons with mobility or transportation barriers. Technology-bridging services include free WiFi, public computer access, Mobile WiFi Hotspot lending, and an iPad Rental Program designed to close the local digital divide.

The library is structured as an independent public entity governed by a Board of Trustees (15 voting, 2 non-voting seats with reserved representation from Youngstown State University, the Mahoning County Commissioner, the Ohio State Senator, and the Friends of PLYMC) and led by a professional executive team including Director/CEO Aimee Fifarek alongside a formalized C-suite (CTO, COO, CFO, Chief Experience Officer, CHRO, Chief of Staff, Strategic Communications Officer). Its funding model is a hybrid of voter-approved public tax levies, supplemental grants, and philanthropic support channeled through the Library Foundation of Youngstown and Mahoning County and the Friends of PLYMC — services to residents are provided free of charge under a fine-free policy, with replacement fees only for unreturned materials. Programmatic reach is supported by community partnerships (notably with the Mahoning Valley Mobile Market for food distribution and with the League of Women Voters for civic education) and by signature initiatives including Summer Discovery (an annual reading program that grew 37% year-over-year to 4,101 registrations by June 2026) and Book-a-Librarian personalized appointments.

Strategically, PLYMC is positioning itself as a community services hub rather than a pure materials-lending institution — extending into early literacy, small business support, genealogy, health and wellness, digital equity, and food access — while concurrently undertaking capital renewal of the historic Main Library under the Reuben B. McMillan Legacy Capital Campaign and formalizing long-range planning through a published Master Plan and Strategic Plan. The technology stack remains conventional library-sector SaaS (BiblioCommons, Shoutbomb, Syndetics, SearchOhio, Paycom); no AI/ML capabilities are documented, and there is no commercial revenue model, no funding rounds, and no M&A activity.

Name

The Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County

Legal name

The Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County

Website

https://libraryvisit.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1880

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

The Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County (PLYMC) is a public library system serving Mahoning County, Ohio across 15 branches with free access to physical and digital collections, specialty programs (Library of Things, Makerspace, Culinary Literacy Center), and technology lending, funded by tax levies and philanthropy.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public Library Services

NAICS

Libraries and Archives (51921), Libraries and Archives (519210), Web Search Portals, Libraries, Archives, and Other Information Services (5192)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Public Libraries & Information Services (BPAIACAO)

akta.pro secondary industries

Public Library Operations & Community Branch Management (EDAEAGAC), Library Collections & Cataloging Services (Acquisitions, Metadata, Circulation) (EDAEAGAE), Library User Services & Information Support (Reference, Research Help, Instruction Support) (EDAEAGAL), Library-Based Learning Programs (Public Libraries) (EDAAAFAA), Libraries, Archives & Special Collections (BPAGAHAF)

Keywords

• Public library services
• Community programming
• Digital lending platform
• Maker space access
• Library outreach

Headquarters

HQ city

Youngstown

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices14 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Public Tax Funding (Levies): As a public library system, PLYMC receives primary funding through public levies approved by voters in Mahoning County. Ohio library levies provide the core operational funding.
2. Donations and Fundraising: The library receives donations through its giving program and benefits from fundraising events such as Ladies in Little Black Dresses for Literacy, Brew Ha Ha Summerfest, and other donor cultivation activities.
3. Foundation Support: The Library Foundation of Youngstown and Mahoning County provides supplemental funding. The library has received significant donations including a $100,000 gift from The Schmutz Family Foundation for Main Library restoration.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

The Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County is a public library system that provides free access to physical and digital library collections, computer and Wi-Fi access, technology lending (iPads and Mobile WiFi Hotspots), specialty library spaces (Makerspace, Culinary Literacy Center, Sensory Room), programming for all ages, business and genealogy research assistance, and meeting room reservations through 15 branch locations across Mahoning County, Ohio. Core distribution relies on a BiblioCommons-powered online catalog for digital lending and a network of walk-in neighborhood branches.

Product overview

The Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County operates as a multi-branch public library system serving Mahoning County with 15 branches including the Main Library in downtown Youngstown. The library's core offerings center on its physical and digital collections accessed through a BiblioCommons-powered catalog, supplemented by specialized services including a Library of Things lending program, Makerspace/DIY creative spaces, a Culinary Literacy Center, and technology access programs including iPad and WiFi hotspot lending. Signature programs include the annual Summer Discovery reading initiative and one-on-one Book-a-Librarian assistance. The library provides community-focused services in genealogy, business development, career assistance, and health resources, with a commitment to eliminating barriers through fine-free policies and pop-up mobile services.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Library Catalog (BiblioCommons) Online searchable catalog providing access to the library's physical and digital collections, including books, DVDs, audiobooks, eBooks, and special materials. Patrons can place holds, renew items, and manage their accounts through the catalog interface.
• Digital Library Digital collection providing access to eBooks, eAudiobooks, digital magazines, streaming video, and online databases. Patrons can access digital content through the library's website and apps.
• Library of Things Collection of unique lending items including crafting equipment, games, health and outdoor gear, household items, learning and discovery tools, music equipment, tech devices, and tools. Items can be borrowed for 7-21 days and are not renewable.
• Makerspace & DIY Space Creative maker spaces equipped with 3D printers, laser engravers, vinyl printers, digital archiving labs, Cricut machines, sewing machines, and one-touch recording studios. Knowledgeable staff assist patrons with equipment.
• Culinary Literacy Center Dedicated space at Main Library for cooking and nutrition education. Provides tools and resources for making nutritious meals, advancing math and reading skills through food activities, and celebrating cultural diversity.
• Summer Discovery Annual summer reading and activity program encouraging participants of all ages to read and engage with educational programming. Features tracking of reading days, community events, and prizes.
• Computers & Technology Services Public computer access, free WiFi, iPad rental program, and Mobile WiFi Hotspot lending. Services designed to bridge the digital divide and provide technology access to community members.
• Book-a-Librarian Personalized one-on-one assistance from library staff for research, technology help, genealogy, and other specialized needs. Patrons can schedule appointments for dedicated support.
• Genealogy & Local History Research services and collections focused on local history, family genealogy research, and historical records specific to the Youngstown and Mahoning County area.
• Business & Finance Services Resources and assistance for business development, financial literacy, grant writing, and nonprofit support. Includes access to databases, research tools, and expert consultations.
• Pop-Up Library Mobile library service bringing materials, programs, and services to community locations outside traditional branches, expanding access throughout the county.
• Sensory Room Dedicated calming space designed for individuals with sensory processing needs. Features adjustable lighting, tactile elements, and other sensory-friendly amenities.
• Meeting & Study Rooms Bookable rooms for community meetings, study sessions, and group work. Available at multiple branches for public use.
• Library Card Services Library card registration, renewal, and account management. Cards provide access to physical and digital collections, computer use, and special services. The library is fine-free for overdue materials.

Quantifiable outcome

• 37% increase in Summer Discovery registrations (from 2,983 to 4,101 year-over-year)
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• League of Women Voters of Greater Youngstown (LWVGY)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 August 2022PLYMC partnered with LWVGY to host election security educational sessions across multiple library branches. The Mahoning County Board of Elections participated, providing information on how votes are collected, counted, and secured. Sessions were held at various branches to increase civic education and voter registration.
• The Mahoning Valley Mobile MarketminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 August 2022PLYMC partners with The Mahoning Valley Mobile Market (a collaboration between ACTION and Flying High) to bring fresh groceries to library branches. This addresses food deserts in the community by making the library a distribution point for healthy food. The partnership helps provide access to fresh produce for underserved residents while driving library visits.
• The Library Foundation of Youngstown and Mahoning CountycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Library Foundation provides supplemental funding and support for PLYMC programs. They co-host fundraising events like the Ladies in Little Black Dresses for Literacy fundraiser and other development activities to support library services and capital improvements.
• Friends of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning CountycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Friends group supports library fundraising and programs. They co-host events like Brew Ha Ha Summerfest with The Flight Crew, with proceeds benefiting children's programs at the library.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Indianapolis Public Library: Midwestern urban public library system offering comparable services across multiple branches, including technology access, community programming, and digital resources. Comparable in scale and community-anchor mission.
• Detroit Public Library: Urban Rust Belt public library serving a post-industrial city with comparable community-development and digital-divide programming. Comparable in demographic context, civic role, and broad programming portfolio.
• Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County: Major Ohio public library system providing branch-based lending, digital resources, and community programming. Directly comparable in operating model, county-wide service mandate, and levy-funded governance structure.
• Dayton Metro Library: Ohio metropolitan public library offering comparable services including technology access, community programming, and branch-based distribution. Directly comparable as a fellow Ohio public library system with similar community-engagement focus.
• Akron-Summit County Public Library: Ohio public library serving Summit County with similar tax-levy funding, branch network, and community programming model. Directly comparable as a peer Ohio county-wide library system of similar scale.
• Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh: Pennsylvania public library system founded on Andrew Carnegie philanthropy with a similar heritage profile to PLYMC's 1910 Carnegie Main Library. Comparable in historic Carnegie origin, community programming, and urban Rust Belt service context.
• Cleveland Public Library: Ohio-based urban public library system serving Cuyahoga County residents with a comparable mix of branch-based lending, digital services, and community programming. Directly comparable as a fellow tax-levy-funded Ohio public library serving a Rust Belt urban population.
• Toledo Lucas County Public Library: Northwest Ohio public library system serving Lucas County with branches, digital services, and community programming. Comparable in scale, Ohio tax-levy funding model, and urban Rust Belt service area.
• Columbus Metropolitan Library: Large Ohio public library system offering branch-based lending, makerspaces, and digital resources. Comparable in operating model, levy-based funding structure, and provision of community programming across age segments.
• Cuyahoga County Public Library: One of the largest Ohio public library systems by branches and circulation. Comparable in branch-based service delivery, levy-funded operations, and provision of maker/technology programming in Northeast Ohio.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/PLYMC
• Facebookfacebook.com/plymc
• Instagraminstagram.com/theplymc
• TikToktiktok.com/@theplymc
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/plymc

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County