Though there has been a public library in Cardington since 1830, before Morrow County was formed and even before the village was formally incorporated, the present-day Cardington-Lincoln Public Library was established in 1878 as the "Ladies' Public Library" and later incorporated on February 1, 1897. The library moved its location two times before settling at its current location on Main Street in 1947.
In the tradition of our state's founding pioneers, the residents of this area have always understood, valued, and supported the ideas of lifelong learning and access to information as a vital public good. Beyond the very charitable attitude that defines this community to this day, our community understands that the existence of public institutions like a library improves the lives of everyone and by extension, improves the community.