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When the first settlers arrived in this area, some of the first buildings built were churches and schools. Churches provided the important role of spiritual worship, as well as being a place for townspeople to gather together.

Before the city of Barberton was founded, the area surrounding the lake was comprised of swamps, woods, and fields. Local farmers used it to bathe and water their livestock, and was known as Davis Pond, Way Pond, or Way-Davis Pond after the farmers who once owned the property on which the lake sits. After the founding of the city, the lake was renamed for O.C. Barber’s daughter, Anna Laura Barber.

Prior to Barberton’s founding, O.C. Barber recognized the area’s potential for a city, located along both the canal and rail lines. In 1891, Barberton was founded and after a brief economic lag, the new village began growing rapidly and soon became a thriving city.  

Through the winter of 1975-76 the Barberton High School basketball team led the city on an enchanted journey. Guided by Coach Jack Greynolds, the team won every regular season game and began a march to the state championship. The team was primed for something great to happen.

The Frontier. Pioneers. Manifest Destiny. These terms have romanticized frontier life as being adventurous and the settlers as daring and brave. And, though they were brave, the frontier life was not romantic; instead, it was extremely challenging, grueling, and dangerous. “Pioneer Ohio” refers to the time period following the War of 1812 and ending about mid-century. During this time, people flooded into the state and settled in new areas.

In the fall of 1918, shortly after the United States joined the First World War, Spanish influenza began to spread around the world. This epidemic proved not only more deadly than ordinary influenza, but killed more people in a single year than died in combat during World War I, World War II, Korea, and Vietnam combined. Twenty-five percent of the American population contracted the disease; killing half a million Americans.

Cats vs dogs in the library! Who will rule the stacks? Visit the KIDS page of our website to help decide by voting for your favorite each week until we are down to one literary canine or feline that is the best. You will also find book recommendations, snack and craft ideas, and trivia all cat or dog related just waiting for you.

    Join librarian Mary Kay Ball as we explore the origins of Valentine's Day.  How did it evolve into one of the

most popular holidays in our calendar?  Who was St. Valentine?  How did he become an icon of the holiday?

Tune in for a Facebook Live presentation on February 9. 

Join librarian Mary Kay for a presentation on Facebook Live on Notable African-Americans from Ohio.  Learn about local authors, actors, singers and more who have made their mark on our culture. This program will be presented on Facebook Live.

Calling all Pigeon and Elephant & Piggie fans! March is Mo Willems month at the Barberton Public Library. Visit the Children’s Page on the library website for virtual stories, trivia, activities, and art projects. Take & Make crafts available at the library.