The Marian J. Mohr Memorial Library is the municipal public library of Johnston, RI. We are proud of a strong service orientation and a new facility that provides space for study, public computers, and programs.
"The mission of the Marian J. Mohr Memorial Library is to provide for the cultural, educational, informational, and research needs of all members of the community through books and media, reference service, technological resources, public programs and meeting space. The Library is ... view more »
The Marian J. Mohr Memorial Library is the municipal public library of Johnston, RI. We are proud of a strong service orientation and a new facility that provides space for study, public computers, and programs.
"The mission of the Marian J. Mohr Memorial Library is to provide for the cultural, educational, informational, and research needs of all members of the community through books and media, reference service, technological resources, public programs and meeting space. The Library is committed to excellence as a resource for patrons to gain enrichment, become informed, and pursue their goals." -from the Mission Statement and Long Range Plan
History of the Library
Old Mohr LibraryMarian J. Mohr was the late wife of Ralph S. Mohr, whose impetus created the first public library for the people of Johnston in sixty years. Originally intended as an independent public library on land belonging to Mohr, it was built instead on school property, under the authority of the School Committee. The building was completed in 1961.
In 1964, with the passage under Lyndon Johnson of the Library Services and Technology Act which provided special funds, Mohr Library became a municipal public library, independent of the schools and governed according to special Rhode Island legislation.
Old Mohr Library The original building received two small additions that were part of the original conception. A North wing was added in 1967, including the Ralph S. Mohr Adult Reading Room. In 1989 a mirror-image South wing was added to expand collections. In spite of these additions, the near doubling of Johnston’s population since the library was conceived left it one of Rhode Island’s smallest libraries in relation to the population served.
A lengthy process began in 1998 to assess the need for a larger facility and to gain approval from Town Council for plans. Voters overwhelmingly approved in 2008, and in April of 2011 the new facility opened on land behind the former. The original building is now the municipal courthouse.
View less
