YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County (PLYMC) recently received a $100,000 donation from the Schmutz Family Foundation.

The money will go towards the restoration of the main library's Grand Reading Room.

"This wonderful donation from Judy Reid and the Schmutz Family Foundation falls in line with the historic gift that Andrew Carnegie provided more than a century ago to build Main Library," said PLYMC Executive Director and CEO, Aimee Fifarek.

"Gifts like these help us to build, renovate and restore our libraries, while support from public levies helps to maintain the Library's operations. 

Schmutz Family Foundation co-founder and member of the PLYMC Board of Trustees, Judy Schmutz says the Foundation is excited to support the Main Library's renovation along with the renovation of the Grand Reading Room.

"PLYMC has a long history of serving the Valley as a community hub for connection, learning and discovery, and it is our hope that with the restoration of this beautiful space, generations of readers, learners and innovators will enjoy the historic Grand Reading Room for years to come.

The Grand Reading Room is one of the most recognizable spaces in the Main Library with its tall ceilings and Parthenon Frieze. As part of the final phase of renovations, the original skylight will be uncovered and restored.

PLYMC Board of Trustees President, Carole Weimer says once the Grand Reading Room is restored, it will enhance patrons' experiences while preserving a treasured piece of library and Mahoning Valley history.