By Lauren Macovitz / Jambar Contributor
From quiet study rooms to creative technology labs, the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County offers Youngstown State University students free services beyond books, all just minutes from campus.
The main library on Wick Avenue is a two-minute drive or three-minute walk from M30 Parking Deck.
John Waller, supervisor in the core services department at the main library, said each branch designs its services based on the neighborhood it serves.
“Each branch sort of tailors their programs to their communities,” Waller said.
The newly renovated main library includes study rooms, meeting spaces, computer labs and a genealogy research center.
The library also houses such equipment as an audio-visual recording studio, Cricut cutting machines, sewing machines, a 3D printer and media conversion equipment.
Students can also access resources online through the library’s digital collection. Using apps such as Libby, Hoopla and Flipster, patrons can access e-books, audiobooks, movies and magazines from anywhere.
“We have quite a few databases that we offer that are free to people who have a library card, and those can be accessed either in the library or from home,” Waller said.
Students can sign up for a free library card at any branch. Waller said databases and the digital archive offer opportunities for academic and personal enrichment.
“For instance, we have access to LinkedIn Learning, which offers courses that you get certificates for. Anything from using Microsoft Excel and Word to starting a small business or even taking music lessons,” Waller said.
Waller said the library has noticed an increase in YSU students using its facilities.
“If they want a quiet place to hang out that’s away from the campus noise, we’re definitely here for them,” Waller said.
About a five-minute drive from YSU, the Michael Kusalaba branch on Youngstown’s west side also serves students and the community.
Both branches offer Book-A-Librarian appointments, allowing patrons to schedule one-on-one sessions for research assistance or technology support. Other services include computer classes, mobile printing, laptop kiosks and the ability to borrow Wi-Fi hotspots for up to three weeks.
The Kusalaba branch offers a MakerSpace equipped with a laser engraver, sublimation printer, laminator, heat presses and button makers. Patrons only pay for materials, some of which can be purchased at the branch.
On-site technology and creative design classes are also available.
Supervisor Molly Bevan said the library’s mission focuses on community engagement and lifelong learning.
“We’re here to engage with our community and let the public know that we offer free resources and services for every step throughout someone’s journey,” Bevan said.
The library system features a “Library of Things,” where patrons can check out tools and household items, including sewing machines, pickleball sets, dumbbells, ukuleles and car diagnostic tools.
Students can also access educational tools, such as Universal Class for online learning and Mango Languages for language study.
“Students can access library services with a digital card, which gives them access to all the library’s digital services and materials like our databases and e-media,” Bevan said.
Both supervisors emphasized that the library serves as a resource hub for all residents of Mahoning County.
“We are here. Everything that we have here is free to use. All you have to do is have a library card,” Waller said. “We offer our resources for the benefit of the community.”