McMillan, Reuben, Free Library
Approximate location: the National Park Service places this pin arbitrarily within the property, not at a surveyed point (stated accuracy ±12 m).
Why it's listed
Built in 1909-1910 at the corner of Wick and Rayen Avenues, this two-story Classical Revival library was the first building constructed specifically for Youngstown's main public library. Designed by Owsley and Boucherle, with Charles F. Owsley taking the lead, it is faced in smooth Indiana limestone with terra cotta detailing, Ionic pilasters and a modillioned cornice. Inside, a two-story entrance hall features Doric columns of French Caen marble and a plaster replica of the Parthenon frieze, while a bronze and marble staircase leads to the upper floor. Andrew Carnegie contributed $50,000, one-third of the cost, yet the building bears the name of Reuben McMillan, first president of the Youngstown Library Association. The library moved here after its earlier home was cleared for the new county courthouse. A 1954 renovation lowered the entrance to ground level, but the building's character remains intact, and it still serves as the main library.
Significance in brief: It is a fine example of early 20th-century institutional Classical Revival architecture and a major work of the Youngstown firm Owsley and Boucherle. It was the first and only building erected to house Youngstown's main public library. It is also notable as a Carnegie-funded library that carries the name of local library founder Reuben McMillan rather than Carnegie's.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 86000526, listed March 27, 1986. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | 305 Wick Ave., Youngstown |
|---|---|
| County | Mahoning County |
| Listed | March 27, 1986 |
| Reference number | 86000526 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1900- (specific dates 1909-10) |
| Architect / builder | Owsley and Boucherle, Architects; Niedermeier and Restle, Heller Bros, Contractors |
| Architectural style | Classical Revival |
| Criteria |
|
| Areas of significance | Architecture |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Occupied and in use as the main public library; rated excellent condition, with the exterior and interior described as essentially intact despite replaced windows and a 1954 entrance renovation. |
| Acreage | 0.9 |
| Coordinates | 41.10286, -80.63873 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
For a publicly owned building or structure, listing mainly matters when federal funds, permits or licences are involved: projects then go through Section 106 review so effects on the property are considered. Listing also strengthens applications for preservation grants and, for leased income-producing uses, can enable the federal rehabilitation tax credit.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 86000526.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikidata Q138568485
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.