YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – In recognition of America’s 250th anniversary, the Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County will host a public reading of the Declaration of Independence at 6 p.m. Wednesday at its main branch.
“The Declaration of Independence was first read in public on July 8, 1776,” said John Waller, core services supervisor and PLYMC America250 chairperson. “On July 8, 2026, the Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County will join organizations across the country in a simultaneous reading of America’s founding document. Mahoning County community leaders and community members alike will read individual segments as we join the thousands of other readers nationwide. This important event will allow our community to share in the spirit of the early days of America and help reinforce our connections to one another as citizens of this great country.”
The scheduled readers include Aimee Fifarek, PLYMC director and CEO; Bill Johnson, Youngstown State University president; Anita Davis, Youngstown City Council president; and Anthony Trafficanti, Mahoning County commissioner.
“I’m thrilled to be able to take part in this amazing event happening across the country,” Fifarek said. “PLYMC was founded on the principle of being ‘For The People,’ as was our country. This document, which launched the American experiment is a testament to the values and principles defended then and still defended today.”