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This paper covers the history of the Canton Public/Stark County District Library (CPL), focusing on the years 1929-1997. The paper focuses on the broadening of the library's services, including the development of reference services, service to young adults, and a variety of outreach activities. A literature review discusses the history of the library during this time period in social context. The study is based on information from sources such as CPL board of trustees minutes; CPL annual reports; pamphlets from the library's collection; newspaper articles; interviews with present and former staff members; a thesis written about the library; reports and articles written by library staff; and journal articles and books written about branch libraries and bookmobiles. Topics discussed include: new departments and services at the main library; need for expansion and the struggle to obtain a new building; special services and outreach activities; branches; and bookmobiles. (Contains 227 references and 22 illustrations.) (Author/DLS)