The story of the Norwalk Public Library began in May 1853 with the founding of the Whittlesey Academy of Arts and Sciences, which quickly became the cultural and educational heart of Norwalk. Its constitution provided for a librarian, laying the foundation for a community library.
After the Civil War, Norwalk residents sought renewed community and recreation. On January 24, 1866, citizens met to discuss forming a library, and just one week later, the Young Men’s Library and Reading Rooms Association was born. That March, the Whittlesey Academy loaned its bookcases and entire collection 1,554 volumes, including gifts from Washington Irving, to the new association. Mrs. Samuel T. Worcester donated an additional 100 volumes, creating the foundation of Norwalk’s first library.
The library’s first home was above Little & Son Hardware in the Old Mansion Block. Its first librarian, Miss Sophia Rowland, served faithfully for 33 years and was known for her strict enforcement of silence in the reading room.
In 1897, the Firelands Historical Society and the Library Association joined forces to build a shared home. Local landowner Francis B. Case offered his lot at West Main and Case Avenue for $5,000. The Whittlesey Academy contributed $4,000, and the Firelands Historical Society and Library Association supplied $500 each to complete the purchase.
Supporters reached out to philanthropist Andrew Carnegie in 1902. A letter from local barber Benjamin F. Stewart, who had once worked for Carnegie, caught his attention. On February 3, 1903, Norwalk received word: a $15,000 grant to build a $25,000 free public library, with the remaining $10,000 funded by the Academy, the Historical Society, and the Library Association.
Construction began that same year. Architect Frank L. Packard of Columbus designed the new building, with George Feick of Sandusky as contractor and the Hahne brothers of Dayton creating the exquisite interior art and ceiling work. Described as a masterpiece of oak, terracotta, ivory, and gold, the library featured ornate fireplaces, domed ceilings, and the names of literary greats, Shakespeare, Hugo, and Hawthorne, inscribed in gilt around the reading room.
The building opened to the public on May 10, 1905. The Young Men’s Library and Reading Rooms Association occupied the main floor, and the Firelands Historical Society made its home below. The first registered borrower, Edward Cripps, checked out My Arctic Journal by Mrs. Peary. His portrait hangs in the library today.
By the end of 1906, 2,088 patrons were registered, with an impressive circulation of nearly 30,000 books.
Timeline of Growth:
1925: Launched the first Vacation Reading Club for children and began interlibrary loan service with the State Library of Ohio.
1926: Became a School District Free Public Library*, allowing tax support and service to all district residents.
1949: Voters approved the first operating levy.
1954: Firelands Historical Society moved next door, freeing space for a children’s room.
1964: Renovation added restrooms, structural supports, and a booklift.
1981–1983: Major renovation funded by a $641,000 bond issue added a mezzanine, solariums, elevator, offices, and restored the dome.
1990s–2000s: Rapid technological changes brought digital catalogs, barcoded cards, and automation.
Today, the Norwalk Public Library continues to honor its legacy while embracing innovation; offering early literacy programs, digital resources, outreach services, and community events. From its 19th-century beginnings to the digital age, NPL remains a cornerstone of learning, culture, and connection.
What Does It Mean to Be an Ohio School District Free Public Library?
The Norwalk Public Library is a public library serving everyone within the Norwalk City School District, not just students. While our boundaries follow the school district, we operate independently from the schools and the City of Norwalk.
Governed by Our Own Board: Managed by an elected Board of Library Trustees, not the school board.
Open to All: Our resources and programs serve the entire community, from infants to seniors.
Funded by Local Taxes: Supported by the Public Library Fund, donations/grants, and a local levy, not by the city or schools.
Separate from School Libraries: We are a true public library, offering broad access for all ages and interests.
In short: We’re here for everyone in the district, providing books, technology, programs, and community services, all free of charge.