Partners

The Akron-Summit County Public Library is governed by a seven-member Board of Trustees, and in 2024 is celebrating its Sesquicentennial. In 1874, Akron City Council passed an ordinance to create a free public library for the city. John R. Buchtel served as the first Board President. It opened to the public at the corner of Mill and South Howard streets on March 1, 1874. Today, the Library’s service area includes Akron and all of Summit County except for Barberton, Cuyahoga Falls, Hudson, Peninsula, Stow-Munroe Falls, and Twinsburg, all of which are served by independent libraries.

The Summit County Historical Society of Akron, Ohio is an Ohio not-for-profit corporation granted tax exempt status under section 501 (c) (3 ) of the Internal Revenue Code. It is governed by a board of directors.  Founded in 1924, the mission of Summit County Historical Society is to preserve and interpret the history of Summit County and Akron, and to educate regional communities about the people and events that have shaped our rich history. The Society owns and manages the Perkins Stone Mansion, home of Akron’s and Summit County’s founding family; John Brown House, home of the internationally recognized abolitionist; and Old Stone School in downtown Akron – a partnership with Akron Public Schools.