About
Martin Luther King, Jr. Branch, located in University Circle, serves a diverse community and plays a key role as a partner with various cultural and civic organizations. The branch has a large meeting room, a gallery, and a teen tech room. The branch offers free wifi and public computers with Internet access. Printing, copying, scanning, and faxing services are available for a fee. Free parking is available in a lot with an entrance located off Stokes Boulevard.
Cleveland Public Library is in the process of holding an international design competition for a new Martin Luther King, Jr. Branch in the same neighborhood on Euclid Avenue. In February 2018, three design teams were named finalists; they presented their designs publicly on May 10. Read “Cleveland Public Library Unveils 3 Competing Proposals for New MLK Library in University Circle” to see the proposed designs. The winning design will be announced following a special board meeting in June.
The current branch located at 1962 Stokes Boulevard will remain open until the new branch is complete.
History & Architecture
At 18,200 square feet, the current Martin Luther King, Jr. Branch on Stokes Boulevard was conceived as a regional branch designed to be four to five times larger than a regular branch library. Mrs. Louise Bolden, who was appointed Librarian in charge of the branch when it opened in 1970, built a collection of African-American books including history, biography, anthologies, literature, sociology, and reference material.
This branch library is constructed of yellow brick with arched windows that allow natural light for the interior. A graceful arcade mirrors the windows’ shape and surrounds the building. There is a driveway on the north side of the building, a drive-up window, and a spacious parking lot. Antique gates were donated by former library trustee, Mrs. Robert H. Jamison. The second floor is a gallery.
Special Features
- The branch continues to house a collection of resources related to African-American history and the Civil Rights Movement, as well as a vibrant collection of urban fiction.
- Cleveland Public Library’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Celebration is held at this branch and is a notable community event.
- Artwork at this branch comes alive each year as the branch collaborates with local artists with an exhibit that commences with the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration and continues throughout February. The gallery also hosts various art exhibitions throughout the rest of year.
- The Martin Luther King, Jr. Branch works to serve youth and foster artistic expression through art therapy, creative writing and spoken word programs, gaming activities, and a chess program.
- Outreach and collaboration with seniors living in nearby apartment building, along with assistance to persons with special needs, are all a part of the wide array of services the branch provides.
Events and Exhibitions
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Thursday, December 14 | 4:30 pm
Holiday Story Swap
Martin Luther King Jr.
Attention all griots and potential griots: do you have that go-to holiday story that you learned as a kid? Well, here's your opportunity to share those stories with your friends and neighbors. This multi-generational program is sure to bring back memories for some and create new memories for others.
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Thursday, December 21 | 4:30 pm
Holiday Karaoke
Martin Luther King Jr.
Come out and sing with us as we attempt to do justice to some traditional holiday classics, as well as today's festive favorite.! No musical ability required…just a love for the holidays and a willingness to have some fun. All ages are welcome. Who knows? We might find the next "Voice" in the crowd…
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Wednesday, December 27 | 3 pm
Celebration of Kwanzaa
Martin Luther King Jr.
Celebrate Kwanzaa with live storytelling performed by the Cleveland Association of Black Storytellers. The focus of our celebration will be on the 2nd principle of Kwanzaa, Kujichagulia or Self-determination.
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Friday, January 5 | 4 pm
Club MLK Line Dancing
Martin Luther King Jr.
Move and groove in this multi-generational program (ages 8 – Senior) promoting health, wellness, social skills.
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Monday, January 8 | 10:30 am
TechCentral Digital Navigator Community Session
Martin Luther King Jr.
The world has gone online, and many people have questions.
Members of our TechCentral staff will be available to connect patrons with the information they need to get started on their digital path.
We can help you with things like.
- Finding affordable access to the Internet,
- Acquiring a device such as a laptop, smartphone, tablet, or desktop computer.
- Set up an email account.
Sessions are first come, first served during the time we have allotted.
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Wednesday, January 10 | 4:30 pm
New Year, New Me
Martin Luther King Jr.
Happy New Year! Someone once said, "If you want something different, you are going to have to do something different." Take the first step by creating a New Year's Vision Board.