About Us
The YLLA keeps its historic name to honor the young women whose love of books
founded Plymouth’s first library, even before women could vote.
founded Plymouth’s first library, even before women could vote.
Did You Know?
The Young Ladies Library Association was founded in 1873 by a group of young women who loved books and wanted to share them. Their idea—pooling books so all could read—grew into Plymouth’s first library, still shaping our community today.
“One summer’s day fifty-seven years ago a group of school girls were sitting on the Congregational Church steps, talking and laughing and wondering what to do next.
The conversation drifted around to books…”
—Plymouth Record, 1929
YLLA members, past and present—together across generations, 1873 & 2023.
