Stark Library - Main Library

Contact
Phone: 330.452.0665Fax: 330.452.0403
Email: main@starklibrary.org
Facebook: Like Us
Departments
Reference: 330.458.2740
Genealogy: 330.458.2765
Mobile Device Help: 330.458.2750
Location
715 Market Ave. NCanton, OH 44702 Directions: Maps and driving directions
Bus Route: Sarta Route 108
School District: Canton City School District
Features
Genealogy Services, extensive reference collections, original Stark County Probate Records, video games collection, foreign language collections, foundations/grants collection, black oral history, Canton High School yearbooks, braille materials, Friends of the Library book store, public computers, McKinley meeting room, drive up window, new book room, maker studio.
Services
Some of our services are unavailable at this time, but here's a list of things you can do in the branch:
- Browse, return, and check out materials
- Pick up materials from our holds shelf, or use our Library to Go service
- Ask questions – from a safe distance
- Give us virtual hugs
- Borrow from the Media box
- Personal Services – please see a staff member
- Computer assistance*
- Technology one-on-one
- Printing
- Copying
- Faxing
- Notary
*Computer sessions are available by appointment.
Register Online or call 330.452.0665
*Genealogy appointments are available by appointment.
Register Online or call 330.452.0665
History
Stark Library traces its roots to the Spread Eagle Tavern, owned by James W. Lathrop, who assembled a collection of 30 books in 1816. The library moved several times from those humble beginnings, officially becoming the Canton Public Library in 1884. It took up residence in the Carnegie building on 3rd Street South in 1905. The Canton Public Library became the Stark County District Library in 1971, reflecting its service to much of Stark County. The library moved into its current building in 1978, the site was once William McKinley's house, and was the scene of his 1896 front porch campaign for President of the United States. During the campaign, McKinley addressed about 750,000 people who came to his home in Canton. The building was renovated to reflect its current configuration in 2001.