Humble Beginnings
In the early 1900s, the Woman’s Literary Guild showed interest in providing a Reading Room for the community.
In 1920, subscriptions for establishing a public library were sold for $1.00 each. The Woman’s Literary Guild donated $50 toward this new venture.
In 1924, the public library was officially established. Edgar Bernard, Justice of the Peace, became the first librarian. Several community members donated books to start the collection.
Rev. Jett Mohr became the first official librarian after Mr. Bernard left, earning the title “Father of the Public Library.”
It's Official
In 1936, the State Library of Ohio officially recognized the Attica Public Library. Mrs. Lillian Mohr started Story Hour.
By 1938, the library began receiving county funds and was briefly known as the “Attica County Library” or “Attica Rural Library.”
In 1940, the collection grew to 2,036 books.
A New Home
In the 1940s, the library received state funding from the Intangibles Tax and became an official “school district public library,” renamed Attica Rural School District Public Library to reflect the new taxing authority.
In 1942, the library rented the former jewelry store at 14 North Main Street. The building was later purchased in 1959 with community-raised funds.
Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, the building was remodeled, adding bathrooms and lowering the ceiling.
In the 1970s, a weather porch was added, and the Lion’s Club donated an air conditioner.
A New Name
In 1971, after school district consolidation, the library was renamed Seneca East Local School District Public Library, later shortened to Seneca East Public Library. The service area expanded.
In 1974, Rev. Mohr passed away after 30 years of service. Doris Bunn served as librarian until 1984 and was honored with a commemorative picture in 1994.
Growth and Challenges
In 1985, Vicki Ayres (later Eckenrod) became Library Director; funding at that time was about $30,000.
In 1986, funding shifted from the Intangibles Tax to a percentage of the State Income Tax, increasing over the years.
In December 1990, a fire damaged the library extensively. Temporary relocation took place in a Quonset hut.
In 1992, a new library building was completed on the original site, with added lots. A full-time Children’s Librarian was hired.
Internet service was installed in 1996 through the State Library of Ohio.
In 1999, the library purchased the old Attica Café to expand with a Children’s Area and History Room, dedicated in 2001.
The library’s website launched in 2002, and the SEPL Foundation was established in 2005 to support fundraising.
Recent Years
In 2008, Barbara Bayer became Director. State library funding saw changes with economic uncertainty affecting budgets.
Community efforts helped restore some funding cuts between 2009 and 2011.
A 5-year levy was passed in 2011 to supplement state funds.
The library celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2012 with a fundraising campaign.
The SEPL Foundation established the Jett & Lillian Mohr Service Award in 2014.
Shannon Featheringill joined as full-time Children’s Librarian in 2015 and was promoted to Director in 2019.
Facility improvements included ceiling resurfacing and fresh paint in 2018.