Marian J. Mohr Memorial Library

Mission:

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.

About Us:

Mohr Library is the one and only public library of Johnston, Rhode Island. The library is structured and staffed to help connect people with books, media and other resources for information, culture, and enjoyment. Librarians will work with everyone to find any information. They will help you to locate stories and ideas that make your life richer.

History:
Marian 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.

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 have left it, at 4220 square feet, one of Rhode Island's smallest libraries in relation to the population served.