Library system launches vision and programs to support community

The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County (PLYMC) is rolling out a series of community meetings as part of its “Rethinking Libraries” initiative, aiming to shape a five-year plan based on public feedback. The first open session was Tuesday at the Austintown Branch, and the system said media and library staff will not attend the feedback meetings to give residents room to speak freely. Additional sessions are scheduled Nov. 3 through Nov. 5 across Youngstown and nearby towns. PLYMC expects to complete the plan by spring 2027. In parallel, this week launches the Educator Card Initiative, letting Mahoning County teachers borrow up to 100 education items, and it relaunches the Book Bundle Program for classroom book requests.