The Mentor Public Library was formed in February 1819 with just 79 volumes that were housed in private homes.
In 1889, residents established the Mentor Village Library Board. James R. Garfield, son of President Garfield, led the group with the purpose of constructing a public library building and reading room. Money for the new library was raised by Mentor citizens (led by Lucretia Garfield and family), and in 1903 the first permanent library building was dedicated at the northeast corner of Mentor Avenue & Center Street. The structure reflecting the New England style of architecture, was designed by another of President Garfield’s sons, Abram Garfield.
The building served Mentor for the next 57 years, with additions of electric lighting, plumbing and other modern conveniences. In 1956 voters passed a bond issue to build a new library and by the end of the next year, the Mentor Library opened in its current location at 8215 Mentor Avenue.
The old library, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was relocated in 1960 to 7300 Center Street and is home to a bakery.
Learn more about the history of Mentor Public Library.
Learn about other waypoints on the Mentor History Trail at www.mentorhistory.com.