Learn more about Barberton’s past! 
The Local History Room is located on the main floor of the Barberton Public Library and contains a collection of resources dedicated to the history of Barberton, Summit County, and the state of Ohio. The purpose of the Local History Room is to provide community members with access to local history resources, as well as to preserve the history of Barberton.  

In our local history collection, we have a number of items important to Barberton’s past, including items from Sun Rubber toys, Coventry Ware collectibles, personal items that belonged to O.C. Barber, and more! Visitors are invited to experience the history of Barberton through books, photographs, clothing, historical artifacts, and other Barberton memorabilia. Alongside the objects preserved from Barberton’s past, we have a collection of print resources that encompass both state and local history. 

If you are looking for something specific or need help with your local history research, visit the Local History Room at the library or contact our Local History Librarian at localhistory@barbertonlibrary.org 

Local History Programming.
At the Library, we host a wide range of programs that tend to the interest of our community. Our local history programs highlight the history of Barberton, the iconic people who have grown the city, and more. Since 2019, the local history department has hosted ghost tours around downtown Barberton, exposing the community to stories of the past!

Click here to see upcoming local history programs at the Barberton Public Library. 

Online Local History Catalog
This catalog contains records for the archival and museum collections of the Library’s Local History Room. These materials include photographs, objects, artifacts, documents, and other materials related to the history of Barberton or surrounding area. These    materials are housed on-site in the Local History Room and cannot be checked out. Researchers are welcome to look at these materials.

This online catalog is a work in progress. As time permits, we will continue to add catalog records for materials held in the Local History Room.

Click here to search the Online Local History Catalog. 

Donations to the Local History Room

The Local History Room has become robust with artifacts from the past thanks to the generous donations of our patrons. Our goal with the Local History Room is to collect, preserve, and display information relevant to the history of Barberton. With this goal in mind, we welcome donations of materials or artifacts directly pertaining to Barberton's history. 

Materials and artifacts within the scope of the Local History collection include items pertaining to Barberton schools, industries, and groups/associations. We also accept donations of historical photographs and other Barberton memorabilia. As well as physical item donations, the Local History Department accepts monetary donations to be used to fund special projects related to preserving or displaying historical materials. For more information or to make a donation, please contact the Director at director@barbertonlibrary.org.