In the early 1900s, the records of the Woman’s Literary Guild showed an interest in providing a Reading Room for the Community.
In 1920, subscriptions for the establishment of a public library (or Reading Room) were sold at $1.00. The Woman’s Literary Guild gave $50 towards this new venture.
In 1924 the public library was established. A call was put out to the community for books. Since the newly established Library was housed in the same room as the Justice of the Peace, Edgar Bernard, the Justice, became the first librarian. He and several other prominent men also donated books for the collection.
The Rev. Jett Mohr became the first official Librarian when Mr. Bernard left his offices. It was Rev. Mohr who became known as the Father of the Public Library.
In 1936, the State Library of Ohio officially recognized the Attica Public Library. Mrs. Lillian Mohr, Rev. Mohr’s wife, began Story Hour.
In 1938 the Library began receiving county money and may have briefly been named the "Attica County Library" (i.e. "a library of the county"). The Attica Rural Library seems to be the more accepted name of the time.
In 1940 the Library boasted a collection of 2,036 books.
In the 1940s, the Library started receiving state money from the Intangibles Tax and became an official "school district public library". The Library changed its name to the Attica Rural School District Public Library to reflect the new taxing authority. The library ceased being a town library and now included all of Venice Township. At first the library only received money once a year. At some point it became quarterly but often the amount received was unknown. Finally in 1986, the library began to receive the money on a monthly basis in standard amounts.
In 1942, a jewelry store owned by Icedore Kaufman at 14 North Main Street was vacated and the Library was able to rent the building. One night after closing, all the books were carried down to the new building. The building later became the property of Cora Raymond who continued to lease the building to the Library.
In 1954 Mrs. Mohr passed away and Doris Bunn was hired as Assistant Librarian.
In 1959, Mrs. Raymond, the owner of the building decided to sell the building to the library at the lowest possible cost. The Community was asked to make pledges towards the building and the $4,000 was raised within three weeks.
In the early 1960s, the building was remodeled adding two bathrooms and dropping the ceiling.
In the 1970s, an outside weather porch was added to the storefront and the local Lion’s Club donated an air conditioner.
In 1971, with the consolidation of the school districts, the Library’s name was changed to the Seneca East Local School District Public Library, which was later shortened to the Seneca East Public Library. The service area increased to include Reed Township and ½ of Scipio Township.
In 1974, after 30 years of continual service, Rev. Mohr passed away. Mrs. Bunn became Librarian until her retirement in 1984. She also served for 30 years and was honored in 1994 with a picture of her joining a picture of the Rev. & Mrs. Mohr on a Library wall.
In 1985, Vicki Ayres (later Eckenrod) became Library Director. At this time, one part-time worker was also employed at 2 hours a week and the Library received $30,000 in funding.
In 1986, the Intangibles Tax was repealed and permanent library funding became available as a percentage of the State Income Tax. Funding in 1986 was $42,000. By 1990 the Library was receiving $85,000 in funding.
In December of 1990, a fire was set in the video store next door. The Library received extensive water and smoke damage. Luckily most of the collection survived and was able to be salvaged at a cost of over $50,000. The Library moved to an old tractor parts store in a Quonset hut at the edge of town previously owned by Bohn Implement.
The Library received an LSCA Title II Construction Grant, which allowed the Library to be rebuilt on its original site with the addition of two lots, one purchased from Charles Bates and one donated by Martha King.
In 1992, the new Library was complete and a full-time Children’s Librarian was hired, Mrs. Barbara Bayer. Mrs. Bayer had been hired as part-time help in 1988.
In 1996, the State Library of Ohio purchased computers and placed internet service in all 250 public libraries.
In 1999, the Library purchased the old Attica Café and plans were drawn up for a new Library Annex. The new addition contains a new, expanded Children’s Area and a History Room where the Attica Area Historical Society will reside. An Open House/Dedication was held August 5th, 2001.
In June of 2002, the Library entered the technology age with the debut of it's web site at www.seneca-east.lib.oh.us
In 2001, state library funding begins to erode but in 2008 a new funding was put in place that continues the state's commitment to the public libraries by setting aside 2.22% of all tax revenues for the public libraries of Ohio.
