I like the fact that, as a tour guide, I can share my enthusiasm for what this institution is all about. The accumulated knowledge of thousands of men and women—their thoughts, ideas, dreams, and passions—can be found here in the Library. With a free library card, you have the opportunity to access that knowledge. You’re studying with the masters here. This is your library—make use of it.
Joseph Parnell, Retired Library Assistant and 44-year veteran of Cleveland Public Library
Discover all that Cleveland Public Library has to offer by taking a free tour of the downtown Main Library campus. Learn about the Library’s history, art, and architecture; tour our cutting-edge TechCentral department; explore our chess sets and miniature books in Special Collections; take in breathtaking city views on the tenth floor of the Louis Stokes Wing; tour our Photograph and Maps collections; and much more.
Tours are limited to groups of 5-15 guests (18 years and older). Smaller groups may tour the Library on their own with the help of our Self-Guided Tour pamphlet, and larger groups may contact the Library for more information. If you would like to arrange a tour for children under 18, or if you’re scheduling a tour on behalf of a school or youth organization, please visit our Schedule a Visit to Youth Services page.
Most tours last between 90 minutes and two hours and are led by trained, knowledgeable employees. The downtown Main Library campus encompasses two large buildings: the Louis Stokes Wing (525 Superior Avenue) and the historic Main Library (325 Superior Avenue). These buildings are connected via an underground passage. Please allow approximately two hours if you hope to tour both buildings of our downtown campus. Shorter tours are available, but such tours will focus on a limited number of departments. All guests are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and expect a fair amount of walking. Cleveland Public Library is ADA-accessible; please make a note on your reservation request if any members of your party have mobility issues and/or require assistance.
Tour reservations should be made at least one month in advance. The downtown Main Library campus is open Monday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Please note that tours are based on staff availability.
If you have additional questions, please call The Main Library Office at (216) 623-3420 or email main.services@cpl.org.