My Place to Dream. Create. Grow.

The Library is fortunate that the Friends of Cleveland Public Library continues to provide funding for the Library's critical programs, such as our Summer and Winter Reading Clubs. Throughout the years, we have relied on the Friends of Cleveland Public Library to finance a number of special programs and scholarships that would not otherwise have been possible.

The organization raises funds through a number of venues, including the on-site gift shop, book sales, and special events hosted in the Eastman Garden. On November 14, 2009, the Friends took a new approach to the annual fundraiser. "Night at the Library—Characters Alive" was inspired by the award-winning "Night at the Museum" movie but with a slightly different twist. Famous literary characters were brought to life to walk the halls of the Library and mingle with donors. Special literary guests at the 2009 event included Harry Potter, Edgar Allan Poe, The White Witch, Alice in Wonderland and The Mad Hatter, Romeo and Juliet, Snow White, and Emily Dickinson.

Attendees not only had the opportunity to meet these entertaining characters, but they also received dancing instructions from Romeo and Juliet and were invited to participate in a mock sword fight. More than 200 guests attended the unique, highly publicized event, which raised thousands of dollars for special literary programs.