Swanton Public Library has served the community for generations, with roots dating back to the Great Depression.

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The library was officially established in 1935 after local residents asked the Swanton Board of Education to create a public library that would provide reading materials for residents of the Swanton Village School District and Fulton County. The first meeting of the Swanton School District Public Library Board of Trustees was held on August 28, 1935. That year, the library operated with a budget of $1,500.

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The first library was located inside Cherry Street School. In 1936, the State Library of Ohio granted the library its charter, and Mrs. B.J. “Irma” Moorman was named its first librarian.

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As community use grew, so did the library. In 1973, a branch location opened at 95 North Main Street in response to repeated requests from adult residents. Mrs. Imogene Walter served as librarian at that location.

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A major milestone came in 1978 when the Village of Swanton donated land at 305 Chestnut Street for a new library building. Voters approved a 0.7 mill, 20 year bond levy that provided $350,000 for construction. The new library was officially dedicated on November 18, 1979.

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The building continued to evolve with the needs of the community. In the spring of 1994, a large children’s programming room and accessible restrooms were added to the rear of the building.

Community support has also played an important role in maintaining library services. Voters renewed a 0.5 mill levy in 2013 that had first been approved in 2008. Following significant reductions in state funding, voters approved an additional 1.0 mill levy in November 2011 and renewed it in 2016. This support allowed the library to continue providing services, staffing, programs, and resources without major reductions.

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Today, Swanton Public Library continues the mission that began in 1935: providing the community with access to information, resources, programs, and opportunities to learn and connect.