Contact
8216 Lorain Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44102
Phone: 216-623-7011
Email: Lorain.Branch@cpl.org
Manager: Tamara Steward
Campus Hours
Monday – Saturday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday: CLOSED
About
Lorain Branch is located just north of I-90 near the Lorain Avenue exit. The branch offers free wifi and public computers with Internet access. Printing, copying, scanning, and faxing services are available for a fee. As a “mini TechCentral,” the Lorain Branch houses a 3D printer, a 3D scanner, a SmartBoard, and two sewing machines, which are available upon request. A meeting room that seats up to 50 may be reserved in advance; call or visit the branch for details. A free parking lot is located behind the building off W. 83rd Street.
History & Architecture
The branch was renovated and reopened in June 2023.
As the ninth branch in the Cleveland Public Library system and one of many Cleveland Public Library branches built with funds from Andrew Carnegie, this Detroit-Shoreway neighborhood branch opened in 1912. At the time, the Library’s Annual Report described the building as “Greek-inspired” and constructed of buff brick with stone trimmings. The library is 8,400 square feet.
Special Features
- The Lorain Branch features a WPA mural titled Ohio City, painted by William Dolwick in 1934. Dolwick was a resident of the neighborhood and a Lorain Branch patron. The mural depicts a view of Ohio City in 1834, as viewed from Scranton Heights. It was removed as part of the 1985 renovation, restored by the Intermuseum Conservation Association, and reinstalled in 2002.
- Lorain Branch frequently hosts MakerLabs and classes to allow patrons to explore and learn how to use the special equipment.
- Lorain offers separate adult, young adult (YA), and children’s collections of Spanish materials.
- This branch has a large community garden in the rear of the building.
- Branch partners include the Detroit Shoreway Community Development Corporation, West Side Community House, Willard Head Start, H. Barbara Booker Elementary School, Almira Elementary School, Marion C. Seltzer Elementary School, Stockyard elementary and middle schools, and several child care centers.
Upcoming Events
My Digital Life: File Management
Lorain Saturday, September 23 | 11 amPreschool Storytime
Lorain Monday, September 25 | 11 amAges 3-5 Includes stories, songs, activities, and rhymes specially designed to support reading readiness.
Young Scholars’ Academy: Beginner
Lorain Wednesday, September 27 | 1 pmThe Young Scholars' Academy Beginner is a kindergarten readiness program for scholars ages 3-4 (not entering Kindergarten Fall 2023) and their parent(s) or other adult family member. The lessons are based on the Ohio Department of Early Learning and Development Standards for Language and Literacy and are engaging for scholars while providing parents with researched-based tips that support learning opportunities at home.
Fall sessions are offered In-person for 10 consecutive weeks, and the choices are in the registration form below. If you have any questions, please call 216-623-7114 or email ops@cpl.org.
Young Scholars’ Academy-Transitional
Lorain Wednesday, September 27 | 3:30 pmYoung Scholars' Academy: Transitional Program is for children ages 4 – 6 who are in Kindergarten in the fall of 2023 or will be entering Kindergarten in the fall of 2024 and their parent and/or other caring adult. Engaging, once-a-week lessons for children are based on the Ohio Department of Education Learning Standards and provide parents with research-based tips that supports learning opportunities at home.
This Fall will hold 10 weekly lessons. Register now by visiting the Kindergarten Readiness Programs information page at CPL.org/kids-teens/kindergarten-readiness If you have questions or to register by phone please call the Education Office at 216-623-7114
Hispanic Heritage Month Crafts
Lorain Wednesday, September 27 | 4:15 pmDiscover interesting facts about Hispanic heritage and try your hand at some traditional-style crafts.
My Digital Life: Internet Browser Basics
Lorain Saturday, September 30 | 11 amPreschool Storytime
Lorain Monday, October 02 | 11 amAges 3-5 Includes stories, songs, activities, and rhymes specially designed to support reading readiness.
Family Yoga
Lorain Monday, October 02 | 4 pmFamilies with chilren ages 3 and up are invited to relax and learn some basic yoga poses and breathing techniques together.
Young Scholars’ Academy: Beginner
Lorain Wednesday, October 04 | 1 pmThe Young Scholars' Academy Beginner is a kindergarten readiness program for scholars ages 3-4 (not entering Kindergarten Fall 2023) and their parent(s) or other adult family member. The lessons are based on the Ohio Department of Early Learning and Development Standards for Language and Literacy and are engaging for scholars while providing parents with researched-based tips that support learning opportunities at home.
Fall sessions are offered In-person for 10 consecutive weeks, and the choices are in the registration form below. If you have any questions, please call 216-623-7114 or email ops@cpl.org.
Young Scholars’ Academy-Transitional
Lorain Wednesday, October 04 | 3:30 pmYoung Scholars' Academy: Transitional Program is for children ages 4 – 6 who are in Kindergarten in the fall of 2023 or will be entering Kindergarten in the fall of 2024 and their parent and/or other caring adult. Engaging, once-a-week lessons for children are based on the Ohio Department of Education Learning Standards and provide parents with research-based tips that supports learning opportunities at home.
This Fall will hold 10 weekly lessons. Register now by visiting the Kindergarten Readiness Programs information page at CPL.org/kids-teens/kindergarten-readiness If you have questions or to register by phone please call the Education Office at 216-623-7114
Hispanic Heritage Month Crafts
Lorain Wednesday, October 04 | 4:15 pmDiscover interesting facts about Hispanic heritage and try your hand at some traditional-style crafts.
My Digital Life
Lorain Saturday, October 07 | 11 amSew Yourself Sustainable- Upcycled Denim Tote
Lorain Saturday, October 07 | 11 amThrough foundational skill-building and project-based learning, students will refine their craftsmanship, engage in product creation, and practice sustainability by learning to upcycle denim into a fun tote bag.
Preschool Storytime
Lorain Monday, October 09 | 11 amAges 3-5 Includes stories, songs, activities, and rhymes specially designed to support reading readiness.
Halloween Bead Crafts
Lorain Tuesday, October 10 | 4:15 pmShow your creative side with beads. Make your own pony bead pumpkin to take home.
Young Scholars’ Academy: Beginner
Lorain Wednesday, October 11 | 1 pmThe Young Scholars' Academy Beginner is a kindergarten readiness program for scholars ages 3-4 (not entering Kindergarten Fall 2023) and their parent(s) or other adult family member. The lessons are based on the Ohio Department of Early Learning and Development Standards for Language and Literacy and are engaging for scholars while providing parents with researched-based tips that support learning opportunities at home.
Fall sessions are offered In-person for 10 consecutive weeks, and the choices are in the registration form below. If you have any questions, please call 216-623-7114 or email ops@cpl.org.
Young Scholars’ Academy-Transitional
Lorain Wednesday, October 11 | 3:30 pmYoung Scholars' Academy: Transitional Program is for children ages 4 – 6 who are in Kindergarten in the fall of 2023 or will be entering Kindergarten in the fall of 2024 and their parent and/or other caring adult. Engaging, once-a-week lessons for children are based on the Ohio Department of Education Learning Standards and provide parents with research-based tips that supports learning opportunities at home.
This Fall will hold 10 weekly lessons. Register now by visiting the Kindergarten Readiness Programs information page at CPL.org/kids-teens/kindergarten-readiness If you have questions or to register by phone please call the Education Office at 216-623-7114
Hispanic Heritage Month Crafts
Lorain Wednesday, October 11 | 4:15 pmDiscover interesting facts about Hispanic heritage and try your hand at some traditional-style crafts.
My Digital Life
Lorain Saturday, October 14 | 11 amPreschool Storytime
Lorain Monday, October 16 | 11 amAges 3-5 Includes stories, songs, activities, and rhymes specially designed to support reading readiness.