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
STEM Robotics
South Wednesday, October 04 | 4 pmBuild, code, and control mini robots…even if you have never built or coded before.
Family Circle Time
South Thursday, October 05 | 5 pmJoin us for stories, songs and fingerplays during our family story time!
Family Coloring Day
South Saturday, October 07 | 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 activity.
Junk Journaling
South Saturday, October 07 | 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, October 09 | 4 pm3D Printer, Laser Engraver, and STEM projects, oh my! Visit the MakerSpace on the second Tuesday of the month, to try out all of our Maker equipment.
Slime Lab
South Tuesday, October 10 | 4 pmBecome a scientist and mix household ingredients to make slime. Release your inner creator by choosing your colors and items to add.
STEM Robotics
South Wednesday, October 11 | 4 pmBuild, code, and control mini robots…even if you have never built or coded before.
Family Circle Time
South Thursday, October 12 | 5 pmJoin us for stories, songs and fingerplays during our family story time!
Paint & Chill
South Friday, October 13 | 4 pmJoin us for an afternoon of painting and release your inner artist. Let your creativity soar and relax. Above all paint and relax. (Supplies provided while they last.)
Once Upon a Cuento
South Saturday, October 14 | 11 amJoin us for our bilingual Storytime in English and Spanish! Enjoy stories, songs, and rhymes in both languages.
Operation Comic Book
South Monday, October 16 | 4 pmWrite and illustrate your own comic books with Operation Comic Book.
STEM Robotics
South Wednesday, October 18 | 4 pmBuild, code, and control mini robots…even if you have never built or coded before.
Tiny Art Show
South Thursday, October 19 | 2:30 pmCreate your own, one-of-a-kind miniature masterpiece and, if you like, display it in our Tiny Art Show.
Family Circle Time
South Thursday, October 19 | 5 pmJoin us for stories, songs and fingerplays during our family story time!
Family Coloring Day
South Saturday, October 21 | 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 activity.
Junk Journaling
South Saturday, October 21 | 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.
STEM Robotics
South Wednesday, October 25 | 4 pmBuild, code, and control mini robots…even if you have never built or coded before.
Family Circle Time
South Thursday, October 26 | 5 pmJoin us for stories, songs and fingerplays during our family story time!
Paint & Chill
South Friday, October 27 | 4 pmJoin us for an afternoon of painting and release your inner artist. Let your creativity soar and relax. Above all paint and relax. (Supplies provided while they last.)
Once Upon a Cuento
South Saturday, October 28 | 11 amJoin us for our bilingual Storytime in English and Spanish! Enjoy stories, songs, and rhymes in both languages.