The Ashland Public Library had many locations before it resided on Claremont. The first one was over the F.R. Marks store in the Freer block. Presently, this is where the Huntington Bank building is located. It was referred to as the "Reading Room". There the first Ashland librarian E.C. Arthur, managed the collection. She was employed for a salary of $120 per year.

Then the library moved to Crowell block at the corner of W. Main St. and Claremont Ave. Next, it moved to the Opera House. The Opera house burned on March 4, 1899 and the library temporarily moved to Black's Bakery on E. Main St.

The final move was on June 10, 1950 to Claremont Ave. On this date, Ashland Public Library was dedicated as a living memorial to the county's war veterans. Renovation occured during the years 1982 to 1987. It was completed and rededicated October 5, 1987.

During the October rededication, a bronze statue of a girl holding a book in one hand was unveiled. "The Winner" was sculptured by William Mozart McVey.

Looking for another Ashland library? Here is Loudonville Public Library on the web.

This site is not endorsed by the APL, but was created by a non-profit, caring Ashlander. ;) Special thanks goes out to Betty Plank and her book Historic Ashland County II, 1995. It has a wealth of information about Ashland in it. Go check it out at APL! ;)