A Proud History | Charles Arthur Ely, son of Elyria's founder, died in 1864. In his will, he named a board of trustees and gifted land "for the sole purpose of establishing and forever maintaining a Public Library and Reading Room for the benefit of the citizens of Elyria." The library began operation in 1870. As we stand, 150 years later, the Elyria Public Library System includes four locations and a bookmobile along with numerous partnerships, collaborations, and outreach to reach all in our community, re-enforcing our mission of creating lifelong learning opportunities for all.
Let's Celebrate! | Come celebrate our 150 years on Saturday, October 2, 2021 at our new Central Library at 211 Second St. from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Schedule of Events | We will have popcorn, Pink cookies, bottled water, games, and more. You can also pick up your pumpkin for the library's first Book-O-Lantern Family Pumpkin Decorating Contest.
10:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. | Welcome & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
10:15 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. | Elyria's First Librarian Nettie Wheeler, a Family Story Time
10:45 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. | EPLS New Mascot Debut
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Balloon Animals with Brad Thompson
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Gallagher the Magician
12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Bubble Show & Bubble Play Time
12:15 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Elyria Library History Trivia
Thanks you for your donations and volunteerism
John Gregory from John Gregory Trucking providing Gallagher the Magician
Elyria City School District providing the Pink Cookies
Sam Battle providing popcorn and supplies
Sue Schillig as Nettie Wheeler
Elyria City School District and Mascot
Keystone Local School District and Mascot
Elyria Catholic and Mascot
Friends of the Elyria Public Library System
Friends of the EPLS Keystone Library
The Elyria Public Library System Foundation
The Elyria Public Library System Board of Trustees