Proctor County Public Library System
CONNECTING PROCTOR COUNTY THROUGH READING
The Proctor County Public Library System was formally established in 1935 under Ohio Revised Code §3375, consolidating the existing Hobart Free Library (founded 1914) with newly designated county reading rooms. The system serves all residents of Proctor County through two locations: the Hobart Public Library (main branch) and the Symmes Point Reading Room.
The Hobart branch occupies a Carnegie library building constructed in the early 1900s during the peak of the regional coal and iron boom. The building was one of 111 Carnegie libraries built in Ohio between 1898 and 1922. The Carnegie Foundation approved funding based on population projections for the Hobart area that, for various reasons, did not materialize. The result is a neoclassical stone building of approximately 30,000 square feet across three levels (main floor, upper level, and basement), making it one of the largest Carnegie libraries ever built in an Ohio community of comparable size. Most Carnegie libraries in towns this size are 3,000 to 5,000 square feet. The original structure remains largely intact and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
In 1974, the Proctor County Board of Commissioners approved a unified branding initiative for county institutions. The current library system mark dates from this period.
The system is a member of the SEO Library Consortium and participates in the Ohio Public Library Information Network (OPLIN), which provides internet connectivity and electronic resources to Ohio's public libraries.
| Nancy Kipp | Librarian, Hobart Branch |
| Volunteer Staff | Symmes Point Reading Room (hours vary) |
The Proctor County Public Library Board of Trustees is composed of seven members appointed in accordance with Ohio Revised Code §3375.06 by the Proctor County Board of Commissioners and the Proctor County Court of Common Pleas.
The Board meets quarterly. Meeting dates are posted at the Hobart branch. Minutes are available upon request.
| Chair | Patricia Schoolcraft (County Commissioners) |
| Dr. Loretta Marlowe (Court of Common Pleas) | |
| Eunice Fowler (County Commissioners) | |
| Birdie Hobart (County Commissioners) | |
| Linda Faye Roush (Court of Common Pleas) | |
| Donna Faye Greer (County Commissioners) | |
| Tom Adkins (County Commissioners) |
The Hobart branch maintains a small local history collection including county records, genealogical materials, township maps, and historical photographs. Materials in this collection are for in-library use only and may not be checked out. Access to certain archival materials may be limited. Please inquire at the circulation desk.