Contact
850 Jefferson Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44113
Phone: 216-623-7004
Email: Jefferson.Branch@cpl.org
Manager: Steve Capuozzo
Campus Hours
Monday – Saturday:
10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Sunday: CLOSED
About
The Jefferson Branch is located in the heart of the Tremont neighborhood. Jefferson offers free wifi, public computers with Internet access, and a cell phone charging station. Printing, copying, scanning, and faxing services are available for a fee. Free parking is available in the lot next to the library, and a meeting room can seat up to 50 people in classroom style. Jefferson’s book drop is open 24 hours.
History & Architecture
Throughout its earlier history, Cleveland Public Library constructed some branch libraries in buildings that could be adapted into a store or business. These branches were located in neighborhoods where the population and library service needs fluctuated. Jefferson is an example of a convertible-type building as evidenced by the plain brick, its factory-type skylights, and the fact that it is semi-fireproof.
Renowned Cleveland architect and artist Ora Coltman worked for Cleveland Public Library as a supervising architect and building inspector who oversaw the construction of three branch libraries, including Jefferson. In 1918, Jefferson opened its doors in the neighborhood of Tremont. The 6,900-square-foot branch was updated in 1981.
Special Features
- On the branch grounds, patrons may enjoy Jefferson’s bioswale and reading area.
- Community outreach for adults and children, as well as partnerships with schools, are top priorities at Jefferson.
- Two noteworthy pieces of art may be found at the Jefferson Branch. Ambrozi Paliwoda’s mural Out of the Past, the Present; Out of the Material, the Spiritual, oil on canvas, 1933-1934, depicts the movement of immigrants from their native lands into the industrial workforce of America. Paliwoda lived in the Tremont neighborhood and, as a student, worked as a page at the Jefferson Branch. The mural was reinstalled at Jefferson in 2000 following conservation. Finally, the painting Little Russia, Cleveland (View of Tremont From the Clark Ave. Bridge), oil on canvas, 1920, was gifted to Jefferson Branch by its architect, the celebrated Cleveland artist Ora Coltman.
Events
Beginning American Sign Language
Jefferson Tuesday, February 07 | 5:30 pmThis FREE workshop for adults will offer basic vocabulary and basic conversational interaction skills in American Sign Language. The workshop will be taught by an ASL instructor and voiced off. PowerPoints will be emailed before each workshop to allow you to prepare. Registration opens on January 10, 2022.
Don’t Be Bored, Let’s Board
Jefferson Thursday, February 09 | 4:30 pmJoin us to play board games such as chess, checkers, backgammon, and Othello for fun. Win bragging rights and prizes.
0 to 3 Read to Me Playdates
Jefferson Friday, February 10 | 10:30 amBuilding your child’s brain is as simple as reading, singing, playing and talking! Join us as we read engaging books and sing lively songs with plenty of time for playing and talking! For children ages 0 to 3 (36 months) and parent or other adult family member. Siblings welcome. Giveaways! Questions? Call 216-623-7114. These programs are made possible by a generous grant from The Bruening Foundation.
Register and browse a complete listing of upcoming O to 3: Read to Me programs at cpl.org/kids-teens/kindergarten-readiness/0-to-3-read-to-me/
Walkabout: Have A Little Heart
Jefferson Friday, February 10 | 5 pmCome visit our reimagined branch while you are participating in Tremont's Walkabout. We will help you make a memento of your visit and we'll show you all of the changes to our library.
Once Upon A Family Storytime
Jefferson Saturday, February 11 | 11 amJoin us in the newly re-imagined Jefferson Branch for a story time for all ages. Stories, crafts, songs and more to celebrate the tales that delight all of us.
Everything Anime!
Jefferson Monday, February 13 | 4:30 pmExplore and enjoy everything anime and manga from the world of print, video, and gaming.
Tremont Think and Drink Book Club
Jefferson Monday, February 13 | 7 pmJoin us for an engaging book discussion while enjoying your favorite beverage at Lincoln Park Pub, 2609 W 14th St, Cleveland, OH 44113. We will discuss the following great reads:
December 12, 2022 Rogues: True Stories of Grifters, Killers, Rebels and Crooks by Patrick Radden Keefe
January 9, 2023 The Nineties: A Book by Chuck Klosterman
February 13, 2023 The Trayvon Generation by Elizabeth Alexander
Beginning American Sign Language
Jefferson Tuesday, February 14 | 5:30 pmThis FREE workshop for adults will offer basic vocabulary and basic conversational interaction skills in American Sign Language. The workshop will be taught by an ASL instructor and voiced off. PowerPoints will be emailed before each workshop to allow you to prepare. Registration opens on January 10, 2022.
Play with Pen and Paper!
Jefferson Thursday, February 16 | 4:30 pmWe will work with pen and paper to create word-based art.
0 to 3 Read to Me Playdates
Jefferson Friday, February 17 | 10:30 amBuilding your child’s brain is as simple as reading, singing, playing and talking! Join us as we read engaging books and sing lively songs with plenty of time for playing and talking! For children ages 0 to 3 (36 months) and parent or other adult family member. Siblings welcome. Giveaways! Questions? Call 216-623-7114. These programs are made possible by a generous grant from The Bruening Foundation.
Register and browse a complete listing of upcoming O to 3: Read to Me programs at cpl.org/kids-teens/kindergarten-readiness/0-to-3-read-to-me/
Once Upon A Family Storytime
Jefferson Saturday, February 18 | 11 amJoin us in the newly re-imagined Jefferson Branch for a story time for all ages. Stories, crafts, songs and more to celebrate the tales that delight all of us.
Ready for Mardi Gras
Jefferson Tuesday, February 21 | 4:30 pmJoin us to make masks for your Mardi Gras party.
Beginning American Sign Language
Jefferson Tuesday, February 21 | 5:30 pmThis FREE workshop for adults will offer basic vocabulary and basic conversational interaction skills in American Sign Language. The workshop will be taught by an ASL instructor and voiced off. PowerPoints will be emailed before each workshop to allow you to prepare. Registration opens on January 10, 2022.
0 to 3 Read to Me Playdates
Jefferson Friday, February 24 | 10:30 amBuilding your child’s brain is as simple as reading, singing, playing and talking! Join us as we read engaging books and sing lively songs with plenty of time for playing and talking! For children ages 0 to 3 (36 months) and parent or other adult family member. Siblings welcome. Giveaways! Questions? Call 216-623-7114. These programs are made possible by a generous grant from The Bruening Foundation.
Register and browse a complete listing of upcoming O to 3: Read to Me programs at cpl.org/kids-teens/kindergarten-readiness/0-to-3-read-to-me/
Karaoke Friday
Jefferson Friday, February 24 | 4:30 pmSing out to end your week.
Once Upon A Family Storytime
Jefferson Saturday, February 25 | 11 amJoin us in the newly re-imagined Jefferson Branch for a story time for all ages. Stories, crafts, songs and more to celebrate the tales that delight all of us.
Everything Anime!
Jefferson Monday, February 27 | 4:30 pmExplore and enjoy everything anime and manga from the world of print, video, and gaming.
Beginning American Sign Language
Jefferson Tuesday, February 28 | 5:30 pmThis FREE workshop for adults will offer basic vocabulary and basic conversational interaction skills in American Sign Language. The workshop will be taught by an ASL instructor and voiced off. PowerPoints will be emailed before each workshop to allow you to prepare. Registration opens on January 10, 2022.
0 to 3: Read to Me Playdate
Jefferson Friday, March 03 | 10:30 amBuilding your child’s brain is as simple as reading, singing, playing and talking! Join us as we read engaging books and sing lively songs with plenty of time for playing and talking! For children ages 0 to 3 (36 months) and parent or other adult family member. Siblings welcome. Giveaways! Questions? Call 216-623-7114. These programs are made possible by a generous grant from The Bruening Foundation.
Register and browse a complete listing of upcoming 0 to 3: Read to Me programs at cpl.org/kids-teens/kindergarten-readiness/0-to-3-read-to-me/