Our library system’s main branch because of our origins in Nelsonville, this branch is home to our admin offices, local history room, and busy cataloging department. 

Visitors to this location can also enjoy a community greenspace and an outdoor stage. In 2019, a literacy-themed mural behind the Library Stage and Greenspace was commissioned from artist Barry O’Keefe and sponsored by the Athens County Foundation; Athens County Public Libraries; Baird Brothers Company Foundation; Historic Downtown Nelsonville Association; Integrated Services for Behavioral Health; and Nelsonville Mainstreet, LLC. 

History

Civic leaders in Nelsonville founded Nelsonville Public Library on July 5, 1935 as a school district library. The books were borrowed from the state and individuals; a room was borrowed from Central School; and, a librarian was borrowed through the Works Progress Administration (WPA). Today, ACPL continues as a school-sponsored public library system and board members are still appointed by the Nelsonville-York School Board.

The Nelsonville branch has had many homes since 1935, including a storefront in the historic Stuarts Opera House building on the Public Square. When the Opera House burned in 1980, the collection survived but with substantial water damage, with a move soon after to its current location on W. Washington Street. Its most recent renovations occurred in 2019.

Programming

Regular weekly programs to look forward to at this location include meal-workshops led by the Hunger Prevention Coalition, a British television appreciation club, a Next Chapter Book Club for participants living with and without developmental disabilities, and lots of options for families and teens. In recent years, live music programs and outdoor presentations have become popular because of the library’s outdoor stage area.

Other services include:

• Print from home
• Wifi
• Meeting rooms
• Outdoor stage
• Study cubicles
• Local history librarian
• Bike checkouts
• Homework help
• Copiers/fax service
• Voter registration