In February of 1935 interested citizens and members of the Leetonia PTA (Parent Teacher Association) contacted the State Librarian, Paul A. Noon, to start a public library in Leetonia, Ohio. A small collection of books was collected in the old North Side School building, on the corner of High St and Elm St in Leetonia. Books were donated by many people in town, especially from members of the Thursday Reading Club.

On April 1st of that year a resolution and by-laws were accepted by the Leetonia Board of Education, formally establishing the Leetonia Community Public Library (LCPL). Within seven months the library outgrew its first location and was moved to 24 Walnut Street, where it remained for many years, enjoying steady growth. In 1958, a $5000 bequest from the estate of Mrs. Elizabeth Fellows, a charter member of the Thursday Reading Club, enabled the library to add many materials and services to its operations. Two renovations were completed over the following years and the community enjoyed this institution of personal education. As noted in a history written years ago, "The growth of our library stands as proof that the constant quest for knowledge as well as pleasure in reading, cannot-and will not-be satisfied." At this site, the Library celebrated its 50th year anniversary in 1985.

Eventually outgrowing this space, the library purchased the six acre lot at 181 Walnut St. that was formerly occupied by the Leetonia High School and football stadium. Construction of a new building began in 2008 and in August of 2009 the new building was completed. A grand opening ceremony was held on September 19, 2009 at the library's current location.