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 of the Library

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.

Programs

Mohr Library has a strong tradition of extensively planned children's programs, in past years with more attendance than two thirds of Rhode Island libraries. More strictly enforced capacity limits have led us to hold our larger programs at alternate locations such as the Memorial Park, the Johnston Senior Center, Ferri Middle School, Our Lady of Grace and St. Robert Bellarmine Church. We continue to have many story hours, craft programs and regular afterschool activities in the library's lower level or yard.

There have also been well-attended lectures, book discussions, and computer workshops for adults, and we are looking to expand these programs by taking advantage of input from our patrons.