In addition to providing genealogical resources and research assistance, the Special Collections Division collects, preserves, and provides access to items pertaining to the history, growth, and development of Summit County and its communities. These materials are available for use by the public during normal library hours and may be searched at any time through the Library’s online catalog, the Local History Database, and the finding aids included on our website. Items may also be used in traditional or digital exhibits or in preparing articles for our quarterly local history and genealogy newsletter, Past Pursuits.

By donating your personal family photographs, papers, and memorabilia or the records of your organization or business to the Library, you ensure that these materials will be preserved as a part of the history of our community and be available to future generations. The Library accepts donations of materials in any amount if the materials are pertinent to the collection. The materials need not be organized or arranged in any particular fashion, be related to well-known individuals, or necessarily be old. Collections of materials related to an individual local family, to the history of the local area, or in the case of an organization or business, inactive records, are of great interest.

Anyone interested in making a donation should contact Special Collections. A staff member will evaluate the materials offered and discuss any special needs, access to the collection, and copyright issues. If the collection is accepted, the donor will complete a deed of gift agreement transferring ownership of the materials to the Library. Please note that the Library cannot promise that the donated items will be used in certain ways, and Library staff may not give tax advice and or provide appraisals. If it is determined that the Akron-Summit County Public Library is not the proper facility for certain materials, every effort will be made to recommend a more appropriate facility.

For additional information, please contact the Special Collections Division by calling  330.643.9030, by e-mailing speccollections@akronlibrary.org, or by writing to us at Special Collections, Akron-Summit County Public Library, 60 South High Street, Akron, OH 44326.