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
South Sound Booth Orientation
South Wednesday, June 07 | 4:30 pmLearn everything you need to know to use the South Sound Booth and make your own audio, video, or streaming projects come to life. (Teens ages 13 & up and adults.)
Family Circle Time
South Thursday, June 08 | 5 pmJoin us for stories, songs and fingerplays during our Cleveland Reads family story hour.
Once Upon A Cuento
South Saturday, June 10 | 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.
Crafts to Go
South Monday, June 12 | 12 amFire up your creativity every week. Pick up a free craft kit to go and enjoy some crafting time at home (while supplies last).
Duct Tape Universe
South Wednesday, June 14 | 2 pmCreate extraordinary objects from ordinary duct tape.
Tiny Art Show
South Wednesday, June 14 | 4:30 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, June 15 | 5 pmJoin us for stories, songs and fingerplays during our Cleveland Reads family story hour.
Coloring in Cleveland
South Saturday, June 17 | 12 pmColoring books are not just for kids anymore. Join us for Cleveland Reads Coloring Days, which will include Cleveland-themed books and some of your favorite storytime characters. Coloring books and supplies will be provided (while they last), but participants are welcome to bring their own materials from home.
Junk Journaling
South Saturday, June 17 | 2 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.
Crafts to Go
South Monday, June 19 | 12 amFire up your creativity every week. Pick up a free craft kit to go and enjoy some crafting time at home (while supplies last).
DIY Reading Buttons
South Wednesday, June 21 | 2 pmCome on out and design your very own READING button and if you haven't already done so, we can sign you up for Cleveland Reads.
Family Circle Time
South Thursday, June 22 | 5 pmJoin us for stories, songs and fingerplays during our Cleveland Reads family story hour.
Once Upon A Cuento
South Saturday, June 24 | 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.
Crafts to Go
South Monday, June 26 | 12 amFire up your creativity every week. Pick up a free craft kit to go and enjoy some crafting time at home (while supplies last).
MakerSpace Mondays
South Monday, June 26 | 4 pm3D Printer, Laser Engraver, and STEM projects…oh my! Visit the MakerSpace Corner for fun projects.
Block Party: Build with Blocks
South Tuesday, June 27 | 2 pmJoin our block party: all sorts of building blocks will be available for you to build and create anything you can imagine.
Afternoon Painting
South Wednesday, June 28 | 4:30 pmEnjoy an afternoon of painting inspired by the work of a different artist at every session. Supplies provided while they last.
Family Circle Time
South Thursday, June 29 | 5 pmJoin us for stories, songs and fingerplays during our Cleveland Reads family story hour.
Coloring in Cleveland
South Saturday, July 01 | 12 pmColoring books are not just for kids anymore. Join us for Cleveland Reads Coloring Days, which will include Cleveland-themed books and some of your favorite storytime characters. Coloring books and supplies will be provided (while they last), but participants are welcome to bring their own materials from home.
Crafts to Go
South Monday, July 03 | 12 amFire up your creativity every week. Pick up a free craft kit to go and enjoy some crafting time at home (while supplies last).