Leetonia Community Public Library
PANICd#: 2148
Publication date: 02/19/2025
A public library in Leetonia, Ohio, built on the grounds of the former community high school.
181 Walnut St
Leetonia , OH 44431
Open to the public: Yes
https://www.leetonialibrary.org/
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Database Summary:
Demographic Rank: 0
History: 1
Stories: 1
Claims: 4
Evidence: 0
Resources: 2
Retrievals: 194
Vistor Rating: 0.0
Votes: 0
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History
History information is some background and history about the location. This is meant to be a basic summary. Below the history records you will find sources in which you can click on to find out more information. There may be multiple history records per location.
In an effort to establish a public library in Leetonia, Ohio, concerned citizens and members of the Leetonia PTA (Parent Teacher Association) reached out to Paul A. Noon, the state librarian, in February 1935. The historic North Side School building, located in Leetonia on the crossroads of High St and Elm St, was the site of a tiny book collection. Members of the Thursday Reading Club were among the numerous community residents who contributed books.
In that year, the Leetonia Community Public Library (LCPL) was officially established when the Leetonia Board of Education accepted a resolution and by-laws on April 1st. After just seven months, the library had outgrown its original site and had to relocate to 24 Walnut Street, where it stayed for a long time and continued to thrive. A charter member of the Thursday Reading Club, Mrs. Elizabeth Fellows, left the library $5,000 in 1958, which allowed it to expand its collection and provide more programs. Two restorations completed in the following years brought this center for individual education to the community's satisfaction. According to an old historian, "The growth of our library stands as proof that the constant quest for knowledge as well as pleasure in reading cannot—and will not—be satisfied." This location was the scene of the library's 50th anniversary celebration in 1985.
The library outgrew its original quarters and eventually bought the six-acre site at 181 Walnut St., which had been home to Leetonia High School and the football stadium. Construction began in 2008, and they completed the new structure in August 2009. The present site of the library was dedicated in a ceremony on September 19, 2009. This event marked a significant milestone in the library's history, symbolizing not only growth but also a renewed commitment to the community's educational and recreational needs. With its expanded facilities, the library now offers a wider range of resources and programs designed to foster a love of reading and learning among patrons of all ages.
Added by: sdonley on 02/19/2025
DB#:684
Source(s):
https://www.leetonialibrary.org/history
Stories
Stories are just that. Stories and personal accounts that have been reported about the location. This section could also contain research notes as well.
Our friend, a paranormal investigator, informed us about the reported ghostly activity at this newly constructed building. She told us the reports that were made to her and invited us to come to a talk that she was going to give at the library. A condensed version of the talk mentions that it is believed that a spirit named "George" often haunts the building. Investigations and EVP sessions have documented his presence and name. Some of the occurrences that happen at the library are that the security alarm often goes off when the building is closed, books have been known to be knocked off the shelves at night, and the apparition of a gentleman has been seen walking in the hallway (where the alarm is often triggered). There have also been reports of cold spots. These cold spots are typically accompanied by an inexplicable feeling of being watched, adding to the unsettling atmosphere of the library. Many staff members have expressed their unease while working late, claiming that George's presence is both chilling and oddly comforting.
The property, not the building itself, could be one explanation for this occurrence. Before the library was built, this property had the former community high school. It was either the previous superintendent or principal of the building who lived in a house next to the high school. He would walk that path every day to go to and from his school, and he had passed away some time ago. This could be a residual haunting that is taking place. Residual hauntings often manifest as repetitive actions or events from the past, echoing the experiences of those who once inhabited the space. The presence of the former educator's daily routine might still linger in the air, creating an invisible connection between the past and the present for those who visit the library.
Added by: sdonley on 02/19/2025 DB#: 1655
Source(s):
From lecture
Paranormal Claims
Here are the paranormal claims for this location. These have been found through Internet research, reports from members, or reports from personal interviews. To add a claim, please contact PANICd.com, and we will review and add your information.
| Claim # | Added | Added By | Claim |
| 3588 | 02/19/2025 | sdonley | Shadows and movement have triggered the alarms in the back hallway when the building is closed on many occasions. |
| 3589 | 02/19/2025 | sdonley | The apparition of a man has been seen walking through the library and then disappearing. |
| 3590 | 02/19/2025 | sdonley | Cold spots have been felt by employees. |
| 3591 | 02/19/2025 | sdonley | Books have been knocked off the shelves during the night when the building was closed. |
Additional Resources
This is a collection of Internet resources for this location. This section will house links to other websites that contain information related to history, claims, investigations, or even the location's website.
| Home Page | Leetonia Community Public Library
Added: 02/19/2025 By: sdonley |
Main page for the library. |
| Facebook
Added: 02/19/2025 By: sdonley |
Facebook page for the library. |
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