The future of Cleveland Public Library is taking shape. Starting in June, the library will celebrate the beginning of construction on its neighborhood branches. It’s part of the Library’s 10-year plan to build or renovate branch libraries to improve the visitor experience.
“We’re happy to fulfill our promise to the community,” said John Lang, Chief Operations Officer at Cleveland Public Library. “We’re creating more modern, accessible, and inclusive spaces that will benefit the community for years to come. Each branch will pay homage to its neighborhood through design and public art.”
The first groundbreaking is planned for the all-new Hough Branch on Saturday, June 5 at 10:30 a.m. The branch will be relocated to Lexington Avenue and E. 66th Street near the historic League Park which was once home to Major League Baseball, the National League, and the Negro American League.
Our Future is Building:
| LOCATION | GROUNDBREAKING DATE | EVENT TIME |
|---|---|---|
| Hough Branch new site near 6600 Lexington Avenue, Cleveland | Saturday, June 5 | 10:30 a.m. |
| Woodland Branch | Saturday, June 26 | 10:30 a.m. |
| Jefferson Branch | Saturday, July 10 | 10:30 a.m. |
| West Park Branch | Saturday, July 17 | 10:30 a.m. |
Designed by Moody Nolan, the new Hough Branch will honor the past with an eye on the future. Moody Nolan’s architects drew inspiration from the mythical Sankofa bird in Africa which looks back while moving forward. This design can be seen in the shape of the building. The new, more inviting Hough Branch will have an improved children’s area, moveable workstations, meeting rooms, and welcoming outdoor space.
On Saturday, June 26, Cleveland Public Library will break ground on the new Woodland Branch at its current site on Woodland at East 55th Street. Bostwick Design Partnership and Ubiquitous Design Ltd. are spearheading this project which will create a community plaza to serve the neighborhood and a central distribution facility to improve library efficiency. The new branch will be more spacious, vibrant, and accessible to pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers. The building will include more windows, modern furnishings, and meeting rooms to accommodate both small and large groups.
Projects at two more Cleveland Public Library branches, Jefferson and West Park, call for modern updates while preserving their historic structures. Williams Architects and Wanix Architects collaborated on the Jefferson Branch expansion project that will make room for a 24-hour vestibule with book lockers, a second branch entrance, and an expanded staff area. Renovation plans for the Carnegie Library also include gender-inclusive restrooms; a window-facing laptop bar; small meeting rooms; a larger children’s area; and a teen nook. A groundbreaking ceremony will be held at the Jefferson Branch on Saturday, July 10 at 10:30 a.m.
Vocon has been tapped to transform the West Park Branch that was originally constructed by famed Cleveland architecture firm Walker and Weeks. Renovation highlights include removing the dropped ceiling that was added in the 1970s and restoring the original vaulted ceiling and dormers, which will flood the interior with more natural light. The original entrance on West 157th street will be reopened to offer better pedestrian access. A groundbreaking ceremony will be held at the West Park Branch on Saturday, July 17 at 10:30 a.m.
“After years of planning and seeking community input, we’re excited to finally begin construction,” Lang remarks. “We can’t wait for people to experience their new branches.”
While branches are temporarily closed during construction, Clevelanders can visit their nearest Cleveland Public Library location for books, movies, computers, and more. We have made the transition easy by mapping out the closest locations:
- Jefferson patrons can visit South Branch.
- Woodland visitors are encouraged to try Garden Valley Branch.
- West Park patrons should utilize Rockport Branch.
For updates on the Cleveland Public Library construction projects, visit CoUrbanize.