Cleveland Public Library offers full service at the drive-up window located at the rear of the Louis Stokes Wing on Rockwell Avenue, just west of East 6th Street.
Use the drive-up window to check out and return books, magazines, and audio/video recordings–even to sign up for a library card! You can have books and other materials sent to the drive-up window for pick-up by selecting “CLEVELAND Main Drive-Up Window” when placing a reserve in the Library’s online catalog. Otherwise, patrons may phone ahead to any of the Main Library subject departments and request that library materials be sent to the drive-up window (please allot enough time for library staff to bring your materials to the drive-up window).
Drive-Up Window
| Day of the Week | Hours |
| Monday – Friday | 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. |
| Saturday | 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. |
| Sunday | Closed |
There are on-street parking meters available on East 6th between St. Clair and Superior (including designated handicapped spaces) and nearby paid parking garages.
History
The Main Library in downtown Cleveland consists of the historic Main Library Building built in 1925 and renovated in 1999; the Louis Stokes Wing completed in 1997; and the Eastman Reading Garden located between the two buildings. The two buildings and the garden take up an entire city block on Superior Avenue between East 3rd Street and East 6th Street. The Main Library’s Subject Departments are divided between the two buildings.
Cleveland Public Library first opened as a “Public School Library” for the Cleveland Board of Education in 1869. It was the first large public library to allow people to select their own books directly from its bookshelves. For 56 years, the Library was in a series of temporary and rented spaces. In 1925, Main Library opened to the public in a new building designed by the Cleveland architectural firm of Walker & Weeks. The new Main Library proved to be immensely popular: The original estimate of 5,000 daily users was soon eclipsed; by the early 1930s, more than 12,000 individuals walked through the doors every day.
By the 1950s, the Main Library’s collection had tripled in size and the Library was short on space. In November 1957, voters approved a $3 million bond issue for the Library to purchase and renovate the six-story building that was the former location of The Plain Dealer.
The succeeding decades were difficult times for both Cleveland and its public library system. Increased migration to the suburbs led to a decline in the city’s population and resources. During this time, circulation at the Main Library and its neighborhood branches declined dramatically; from a high of 10,374,652 in 1932 to 3,402,050 in 1970. Funds for the purchase of new books and materials, as well as for the maintenance of library buildings decreased.
The last quarter of the 20th century has seen dramatic improvements in the Library’s fortunes. Due to the vision and perseverance of key staff and influential directors, the Library not only reversed its downward trend but became strongly positioned to meet the challenges of the 21st century. In 1975, the library built and renovated neighborhood branches while streamlining the Library’s operations. By 1981, the card catalog was fully computerized.
By the late 1980s, after the Library had completed the renovation of its neighborhood branches, attention turned to the Main Library downtown, where outmoded mechanical and electrical systems were posing a hazard to the public, the staff, and the collections. In November 1991, by a 71% majority, voters approved a $90 million bond issue to go forward with a plan for collection preservation, new technology, and renovation.
An entirely new downtown building was dedicated on April 12, 1997. With eleven floors, including the lower level, the new 267,000-square-foot building has more than 30 miles of bookshelves–enough for 1.3 million books and is equipped with the latest electronic resources. The new building is named for Cleveland native Louis Stokes, who, in 1968, became the first African-American elected to the U.S. Congress from Ohio. During his illustrious career, Representative Stokes helped found the Congressional Black Caucus, and he became the first black member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee. He was re-elected fourteen times before retiring in 1998.
The $24 million renovations of the landmark Main Building called for a sensitivity to the building’s architectural integrity while incorporating new technologies. Electrical, plumbing, and ventilation systems were replaced. Modern fire safety systems, including sprinklers, were installed, and trenches were cut into the cement floors to accommodate wiring for new computer and electrical equipment. New mechanical machinery was placed out of sight in the basement, returning its court to an uncluttered and light-filled state. As part of the architects’ goal of returning the building to its original luster, historic ceiling finishes were restored, the exterior marble was cleaned, historical light fixtures were restored and rewired, decorative metalwork was repaired and polished, and the original leather doors were rejuvenated. For the first time in decades, the Main Building’s historic spaces and architectural details can be fully appreciated, while featuring many technological advances and conveniences.
Demonstrating the Library’s continuing support for the visual arts, the Library Board commissioned a substantial collection of permanent art to be included in the buildings and garden. Thirteen artists of local and national reputation created original art for the Main Library, the Louis Stokes Wing and the Eastman Reading Garden. Selected by a jury coordinated with the Committee for Public Art, the artworks are significant additions to the Library’s and the city’s artistic heritage. The new art at the Main Library was made possible largely by generous grants from Cleveland foundations, corporations, and nonprofit groups.
Today, the Cleveland Public Library circulates one of the largest and most extensive collections in the country, boasting close to ten million items.
Main Weather
- Temperature: 79° F
- Wind Speed: 4.9mph
- Wind Direction: NE
- Daily Rain (Inches): 0
- Barometric Pressure: 29.4
Last updated: Wednesday, September 11 2024 2:04 pm
Events and Exhibitions
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Saturday, September 14 | 10:30 am
Genealogy Clinic
Main Library (Downtown), 6th Floor – Center for Local and Global History
Genealogy Clinics are informal sessions during which you can receive help from expert volunteers and Library staff.
For beginners: volunteers provide informal instruction in starting your family history/genealogy.
For more advanced researchers: volunteers draw on their extensive experience to help you answer your genealogy questions and to help you find strategies to move your research forward.
Beginners should plan to arrive by 10:45 to take advantage of the group instruction for beginners. All others can arrive at any time between 10:30am and 1:30pm.
Please contact the Center for Local and Global History at 216-623-2864 or clgh@cpl.org with any questions.
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Saturday, September 14 | 12 pm
Second Saturday RPGs
Main Library (Downtown), Social Sciences Department
Fun is the focus at this monthly meet-up where we play role playing games of all kinds! We'll feature a new game every time, and we've done all the prep work for you! So whether you're a beginner to tabletop RPGs or a seasoned pro, join us for imaginative play and grown-up fun!
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Saturday, September 14 | 1 pm
Asian Mid-Autumn Festival Story and Crafts Time for Children
Main Library (Downtown), 4th Floor – ForLit Gallery/Classroom
The Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated each year in many Asian countries. Please come and enjoy some fun activities including a short story, singing and dancing, making origami rabbit lanterns, and mooncake tasting. Seats are limited. Please register ahead of time.
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Saturday, September 14 | 3:30 pm
Pinecone Buddies
Main Library (Downtown), 4th Floor – Room 458 – Artlab
Join us to make a few new friends! All supplies included.
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Monday, September 16 | 12 am
¡Buscar la Bandera! Find the Flag!
Main Library (Downtown), 4th Floor – Room 477 – Storytime Room
Join us for a Hispanic Heritage Month themed scavenger hunt! Practice identifying the flags of various Hispanic Heritage countries and turn in your completed sheet for a prize! Available all month long from September 16th through October 15th.
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Tuesday, September 17 | 10:30 am
Preschool Storytime (ages 3-5)
Main Library (Downtown), 4th Floor – Room 477 – Storytime Room
Storytimes for preschoolers ages 3 to 5 include stories, songs, activities, and rhymes designed to support reading readiness and foster the social and emotional skills kids need to succeed in kindergarten and beyond.
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Tuesday, September 17 | 12 pm
Sports Trivia
Main Library (Downtown), 5th Floor – Sports Research Center
From memorable moments at Cleveland Municipal Stadium to unforgettable victories at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse and Progressive Field, our trivia questions span the spectrum of Cleveland sports history. Whether you're reminiscing about the glory days of Jim Brown and Bernie Kosar or celebrating the modern-day heroics of LeBron James and Francisco Lindor, there's something for every Cleveland sports aficionado to enjoy. Join us in the Sports Research Center on the third Tuesday of the month.
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Wednesday, September 18 | 10 am
Post-COVID Nonprofit Funding: Struggles and Solutions
Main Library (Downtown), 2nd Floor – Learning Commons
Learn from local funders and nonprofit leaders at this free Candid program at Cleveland Public Library. A panel of experts led by moderator Beth Darmstadter, ED of Family Solutions, will talk about the changes they’ve seen in the funding picture—the trends, what’s available, and what’s changing in Cleveland. Come and bring your questions for our expert panelists!
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Wednesday, September 18 | 11 am
Norman A. Sugarman Children's Biography Ceremony
Main Library (Downtown), 1st Floor – North Reading Room
The Cleveland Public Library will host a special reception on September 18 to celebrate the establishment of the Norman A. Sugarman Children’s Biography Award. The event will feature the 2024 winner, author Angela Joy, and illustrator Janelle Washington. Established in 1998, the award is presented biennially at the Library and is the only prize in the nation that honors biographies written for children.
Stay tuned at cpl.org for details and registration information.
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Friday, September 20 | 3 pm
Style Studio
Main Library (Downtown), 4th Floor – Room 458 – Artlab
Join us in celebrating the art of self-expression and embracing the endless possibilities of fashion at Style Studio: Where Fashion Meets Creativity!
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Saturday, September 21 | 1 pm
Money Smart for Older Adults
Main Library (Downtown), Social Sciences Department
Join us for a presentation from the Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging that raises awareness among older adults and their caregivers on how to prevent elder financial exploitation and encourages advanced planning and informed financial decision-making. Money Smart for Older Adults was developed jointly by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection.
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Saturday, September 21 | 3 pm
Bilingual Buddies
Main Library (Downtown), 4th Floor – Room 458 – Artlab
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month & International Day of Peace! Bring a buddy or come make new friends and learn some Spanish vocabulary by creating your own bilingual bookmarks. Draw inspiration from bilingual books featuring Latinx authors and illustrators.
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Monday, September 23 | 11 am
Maker Monday Epson Direct-to-Garment Printer: Literary Quote Cotton Totes
Main Library (Downtown), Lower Level – TechCentral Department – MakerSpace
Learn the basics of the Epson Direct-to-Garment printer to print a design on a cotton tote. Use your favorite literary quote or choose from TechCentral's ready-made designs. Registration required due to limited supplies.
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Tuesday, September 24 | 10:30 am
Preschool Storytime (ages 3-5)
Main Library (Downtown), 4th Floor – Room 477 – Storytime Room
Storytimes for preschoolers ages 3 to 5 include stories, songs, activities, and rhymes designed to support reading readiness and foster the social and emotional skills kids need to succeed in kindergarten and beyond.
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Saturday, September 28 | 3:30 pm
Coding for Computer Games
Main Library (Downtown), 4th Floor – Room 477 – Storytime Room
Grades 4-8. Learn simple coding to create a computer game and explore other fun ways to code.
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Monday, September 30 | 4 pm
Maker Monday Prusa 3D Printer: Design & Print Custom Shoe Charms
Main Library (Downtown), Lower Level – TechCentral Department – MakerSpace
Learn the basics of the Prusa 3D printer to make cute shoe charms for your family and friends. Registration required due to limited supplies.
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Tuesday, October 1 | 9:30 am
#CLEReads Young Adult Book Festival
Main Library (Downtown), Lower Level – Auditorium, 2nd Floor – Learning Commons
The #CLEReads YA Book Festival celebrates stories encouraging young readers to find their voices and advocate for personal and community well-being. Featuring authors of YA fiction and nonfiction focused on mental health, self-care, social justice, and more, the festival aims to inspire teens to pursue healthy, empowered lives and positively impact the world around them.
Hip-hop artist and activist Common will close the festival by discussing his new title, And Then We Rise: A Guide to Loving and Taking Care of Self.Books will be available for sale courtesy of Mac's Backs. All of the featured authors will be available to sign books after the keynote address. However, Common is available to sign books for a very limited time.
Please note: Registering here does not guarantee a seat in the Auditorium. Seating in the Auditorium will be made available to registered attendees on a first-come, first-seated basis. Once the Auditorium is filled, overflow seating areas will be made available. All overflow seating will be set up for live simulcast (sound and video) from the Auditorium. |Attendees will be checked in at the door and provided with wristbands indicating their assigned seating area so there is no need to wait in line.
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Tuesday, October 1 | 10:30 am
Preschool Storytime (ages 3-5)
Main Library (Downtown), 4th Floor – Room 477 – Storytime Room
Storytimes for preschoolers ages 3 to 5 include stories, songs, activities, and rhymes designed to support reading readiness and foster the social and emotional skills kids need to succeed in kindergarten and beyond.
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Tuesday, October 1 | 11:15 am
Word Workshop I
Main Library (Downtown), 1st Floor – Studio 525
Become proficient in the everyday, academic, and work-related use of Microsoft Word.
Word Workshops – First Workshop
Become acquainted with the Word Interface; select and format the appearance of text.
Word Workshops – Second Workshop
Change the alignment of paragraphs of text; apply bullets or numbering to lists.
Word Workshops – Third Workshop
Refine tables and graphics.
Word Workshops – Fourth Workshop
Add headers, footers, and page numbers to a document; learn a variety of keyboard shortcuts that will save you time and energy when creating a Word document.
Word Workshops – Supplemental Workshop
An overview of more advanced Word skills, including: source citation; foot– and endnotes; and text styles.
Notes:
It is not necessary to attend the Workshops in order.
TechCentral will present the Supplemental Workshop if there is a fifth week in the month. You may request that Supplemental Workshop’s instructional material via one of the contact methods below.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact TechCentral at (216) 623-2980, Monday through Saturday, 10 AM to 6 PM; or by email at tech.central@cpl.org.
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Tuesday, October 1 | 12 pm
Sports History Theater
Main Library (Downtown), 5th Floor – Sports Research Center
Gather with fellow sports fans on the first Tuesday of the month for screenings of historic highlight films from the Sports Research Center's collection. You are welcome to stay and discuss the films after watching.
September 3: 1952 Cleveland Indians
Octover 1: 1946-1955 Cleveland Browns: Ten Years with the Cleveland Browns
November 5: 1957 Title Game: At Briggs Stadium, Detroit : Detroit Lions vs Cleveland Browns
December 3: 1964 Pro Football Title Game: Cleveland Browns vs. Baltimore Colts