The Brumback Library
🏢 The Brumback Library · Van Wert, Ohio
The Brumback Library
Dedicated on January 1, 1901, The Brumback Library is recognized as the first tax-supported county library system established in the United States. Its Romanesque limestone building on West Main Street was made possible by businessman John S. Brumback and his son Orville, who secured the 1898 Ohio enabling legislation that created county libraries as a concept — a model that spread across America.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 9am–7pm |
| Tuesday | 9am–7pm |
| Wednesday | 9am–5pm |
| Thursday | 9am–7pm |
| Friday | 9am–3pm |
| Saturday | 9am–1pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 215 West Main Street, Van Wert, OH 45891
Phone: (419) 238-2168
Website: brumbacklibrary.org
Plus Code: 86GQVCC8+32 (Van Wert, OH)
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📖 About The Brumback Library
The Brumback Library's story begins with the Van Wert Library Association, incorporated in 1890 by a group of local women who saw the community's need for a free public library. Local businessman John Sanford Brumback stepped in with financial support, and his son Orville S. Brumback successfully lobbied the Ohio Legislature, which passed enabling legislation in April 1898 — the first law in the United States authorizing a tax-supported county library system. The cornerstone of the Romanesque Bedford-limestone building (designed by Toledo architect David L. Stine) was laid in 1899, and the library was dedicated on January 1, 1901. That act of civic generosity created a model for county library service that spread throughout Ohio and the nation. Today the Brumback Library serves all of Van Wert County with a main library and five branches in Convoy, Middle Point, Ohio City, Willshire, and Wren, offering digital downloads through Libby and hoopla, public computers, and programs for all ages. The library celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2026.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Recognized as the first tax-supported county library system in the United States, dedicated January 1, 1901
- Ohio's 1898 county library enabling law — secured by Orville S. Brumback — created the national model for county library systems
- Housed in a Romanesque Bedford-limestone building designed by Toledo architect David L. Stine, cornerstone laid 1899
- Funded by businessman John Sanford Brumback's gift to give all Van Wert County residents access to a free public library
- Serves the entire county through the main library plus five branches (Convoy, Middle Point, Ohio City, Willshire, Wren)
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Brumback Library cardholders can borrow, stream, and research free through Ohio statewide digital collections:
📚 Services
- Public computers, free Wi-Fi, and printing
- Interlibrary loan and county-wide shared catalog
- Five county branch libraries (Convoy, Middle Point, Ohio City, Willshire, Wren)
- Digital downloads via Libby, hoopla, and Kanopy
- Meeting room and community program space
- Reference and reader's advisory assistance
🎸 Programs
- Children's storytimes and youth programming
- Summer reading challenge for all ages
- Adult programs and author events
- Book discussion groups
- Outreach and homebound services across Van Wert County
📍 Nearby Libraries in Northwest Ohio
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Why is The Brumback Library historically significant?
The Brumback Library, dedicated on January 1, 1901, is recognized as the first tax-supported county library system established in the United States. The Ohio Legislature passed enabling legislation in April 1898 — secured by Orville S. Brumback — that for the first time authorized counties to levy taxes for public libraries, creating a model adopted across the country.
Who was John S. Brumback, and why does the library bear his name?
John Sanford Brumback was a Van Wert County businessman who provided the financial support needed to create a free public library for all county residents. His son Orville S. Brumback was the driving force behind the 1898 Ohio law that made a county-level library legally possible. In recognition of the family's founding role, the library was named The Brumback Library.
Does The Brumback Library serve only Van Wert city, or all of Van Wert County?
The Brumback Library serves all of Van Wert County. In addition to the main library at 215 W. Main Street in Van Wert, the system operates five branch libraries in Convoy, Middle Point, Ohio City, Willshire, and Wren, making it accessible to residents across the county.
What are the main library's hours?
The main library is open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday 9 a.m.–7 p.m.; Wednesday 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; Friday 9 a.m.–3 p.m.; and Saturday 9 a.m.–1 p.m. The library is closed on Sunday.
🖨 This library offers printing, copying & fax. See how library printing, copying, scanning and fax services work — costs and mobile printing — and find other libraries that offer them printing & fax by state.
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✓ Hours & details last verified from official sources in September 2026.