3096 Scranton Road
Cleveland, OH 44113
Phone: 216-623-7060
Email: South.Branch@cpl.org
Manager: Jaime Declet
Hours
Monday – Saturday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday: CLOSED
About
South Branch Restoration
South Branch opened on June 12, 1911, as the eighth branch within the Cleveland Public Library system built with Carnegie funds. The building’s striking stone façade, English Gothic architecture, and Tudor interior made it a beloved facility within the Library system. After serving the public for a full century, however, the building’s condition had deteriorated. An assessment revealed mechanical system and structural failures, all of which compelled Library to close this branch in 2013 and temporarily relocate it to a smaller space on Clark Avenue.
Over the past few years, Cleveland Public Library embarked on an extensive process to determine how to best serve the neighborhood by either building a new branch or restoring the Scranton Road building. The Library invited feedback from the community, which resoundingly supported preserving the historic Carnegie building. In September 2015, the Cleveland Public Library Board of Trustees passed a resolution to reopen the Scranton Road building after making necessary repairs and improvements.
The restored building preserved, among other aspects, the original stone façade, the interior woodwork, the perimeter shelving, and the fireplace. A new addition features a second entrance on Clark Avenue that is ADA-compliant to ensure all patrons can easily access and use the library facilities. The restored branch also includes quiet study rooms, separate teen and children’s spaces, a sound booth, a multipurpose room, and a large meeting space that can be accessed after hours. This fully accessible, updated facility offers the technology and services of a 21st century library while still preserving the integrity of the original Carnegie building.
View the Architects’ Plans for the Restoration of the Historic South Branch (PDF)
Special Features
- South Branch has a large collection in Spanish of movies, fotonovelas, magazines, music, novels, and informational books, as well as a great selection of English language materials.
- Guitars are available for patrons’ in-house use.
Events
Family Coloring Day
South Saturday, March 25 | 12 pmColoring books are not just for kids anymore, they are for everyone! Join us in discovering the relaxing benefits of coloring at the library. Enjoy this family-oriented coloring program and relax while you color as a family. Coloring books and supplies will be provided, but participants are welcome to bring their own materials from home.
Kindness Rocks!
South Wednesday, March 29 | 2:30 pmLet's spread some kindness into the world by painting rocks with inspirational messages. All supplies will be provided.
Family Circle Time
South Thursday, March 30 | 5 pmJoin us for stories, songs and fingerplays during our family storytime!
Take-and-Make Crafts
Online Event presented by South Saturday, April 01 | 12 amFeeling crafty on the go? Grab one of our craft kits available all month long (while supplies last.)
Once Upon a Cuento
South Saturday, April 01 | 11 amJoin us for our bilingual Storytime in English and Spanish! Enjoy stories, songs, and rhymes in both languages.
Únase a nosotros para nuestro cuento bilingue en Inglés y Español! Disfrute de historias, canciones y rimas en ambos idiomas.
South Studio Orientation
South Wednesday, April 05 | 4:30 pmBeome a patron of the South Sound Booth and use our audio, video, and streaming capabilities. This orientation teaches the policies and basics to start learning and using the equipment. (Ages 13 to adults.)
Family Circle Time
South Thursday, April 06 | 5 pmJoin us for stories, songs and fingerplays during our family storytime!
Family Coloring Day
South Saturday, April 08 | 12 pmColoring books are not just for kids anymore, they are for everyone! Join us in discovering the relaxing benefits of coloring at the library. Enjoy this family-oriented coloring program and relax while you color as a family. Coloring books and supplies will be provided, but participants are welcome to bring their own materials from home.
Junk Journaling
South Saturday, April 08 | 2:30 pmLearn how to make a junk journal from scratch. This class will build from one class to the next, but beginners are welcome and encouraged to attend.
MakerSpace Mondays
South Monday, April 10 | 4 pm3D Printer, Laser Engraver, and STEM projects, OH MY!
Visit the South Branch MakerSpace Corner once a month to learn general use of all our new gadgets!
Making Paracord Survival Bands
South Wednesday, April 12 | 2:30 pmParachute cord, or Paracord, is a strong, yet thin and lightweight material, in which one strand can hold nearly 550 pounds! Paracord is not just used as parachute line, but also as lightweight material in survival bands, belts, and more. Learn how you can create a paracord survival band using this amazingly strong, yet light material.
Tiny Art Show
South Wednesday, April 12 | 4:30 pmStop by and create your own, one-of-a-kind miniature masterpiece. It will be displayed for all to view at our Tiny Art Show.
Family Circle Time
South Thursday, April 13 | 5 pmJoin us for stories, songs and fingerplays during our family storytime!
Craft Café
South Wednesday, April 19 | 11 amDo you want to be inspired and get your creative spark ignited? Join us at the Craft Café to sample a new craft idea each month.
Family Circle Time
South Thursday, April 20 | 5 pmJoin us for stories, songs and fingerplays during our family storytime!
Earth Day Seed Planting
South Saturday, April 22 | 10 amGet outside and enjoy our beautiful planet this Earth Day. Come celebrate with us at the South Branch by participating in a variety of activities to honor and celebrate our planet.
Family Coloring Day
South Saturday, April 22 | 12 pmColoring books are not just for kids anymore, they are for everyone! Join us in discovering the relaxing benefits of coloring at the library. Enjoy this family-oriented coloring program and relax while you color as a family. Coloring books and supplies will be provided, but participants are welcome to bring their own materials from home.