POLAND (January 19, 2006) – Springfield Library, a branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning Co. (PLYMC), opened to the public at 10418 Main St., New Middletown, at 10 a.m. today (Thursday, January 19).

The new library's name has been changed from New Middletown to Springfield as this new branch makes library service more accessible to a wide area, including New Middletown, New Springfield, Petersburg, and southeastern areas of the county. The new branch is 3,514 square feet - some three and a half times the size of the previous library (1,000 square feet). This branch offers an expanded collection of about 14,000 books and library materials.

The former branch was housed in a room in the New Middletown municipal building. This branch closed at the end of business on December 29 so that materials could be moved into the new building.

"This new branch helps the Library further the goals of Library 2011, our seven-year strategic plan," said Carlton A. Sears, PLYMC Library Director. "The community's support of this library branch project has been gratifying. Based on the enthusiasm we've seen, we expect this branch will be well-used and appreciated."

Hours will be: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. However, the passage of the Library levy by voters in November allows for the system to work on its goal of adding hours at libraries throughout Mahoning County. Increased hours are expected to begin in late spring or early summer.

What does the branch offer?

For the first time, the Springfield Library will have a librarian available all hours the library is open.

The library features a spacious, open feel. Large windows, plus a skylight, wash the interior with light. Comfortable furnishings, hand-crafted tables and chairs, provide space to read or study in comfort.

This is the first library in the PLYMC system to have a system of lockers for patrons to pick up reserved books and library materials, even when the library is closed. The lockers, on the outside of the building, will open when the patron uses the code provided to them by library staff.

The branch contains materials for children, teens and adults, Internet access, videos, DVDs, audio books, magazines and more.

The Springfield branch will feature coffee and hot chocolate from Chapters Cafe in the near future.

The project's cost is $533,770. Architect: The 4M Company of Boardman. Engineer: Cenkner Engineering Associates, Inc., of Sewickley, PA. General contractor: Brock Builders, Inc., of Youngstown. Other contractors on the project are: Gunton Corp./Pella Window and Door of Bedford Heights; Joe Dickey Electric, Inc., of North Lima; Thornton & Son Heating-Cooling-Plumbing, Inc., of Youngstown; A.A. Samuels Sheet Metal Co., Inc., of Youngstown, and Interior Products Co., Cleveland, millwork.

Fundraising for this new library has been ongoing in the community and has brought in over $11,800 thus far. For information about the fundraising campaign or to donate, contact the Library's Development Office at 330-744-8636, ext. 118.