About
Lorain Branch is located just north of I-90 near the Lorain Avenue exit. The branch offers free wifi and public computers with Internet access. Printing, copying, scanning, and faxing services are available for a fee. As a “mini TechCentral,” the Lorain Branch houses a 3D printer, a SmartBoard, which are available upon request. A meeting room that seats up to 44 may be reserved in advance; call or visit the branch for details. A free parking lot is located behind the building off W. 83rd Street.
History & Architecture
The branch was renovated and reopened in June 2023.
As the ninth branch in the Cleveland Public Library system and one of many Cleveland Public Library branches built with funds from Andrew Carnegie, this Detroit-Shoreway neighborhood branch opened in 1912. At the time, the Library’s Annual Report described the building as “Greek-inspired” and constructed of buff brick with stone trimmings. The library is 8,400 square feet.
Special Features
- The Lorain Branch features a WPA mural titled Ohio City, painted by William Dolwick in 1934. Dolwick was a resident of the neighborhood and a Lorain Branch patron. The mural depicts a view of Ohio City in 1834, as viewed from Scranton Heights. It was removed as part of the 1985 renovation, restored by the Intermuseum Conservation Association, and reinstalled in 2002.
- Lorain Branch frequently hosts MakerLabs and classes to allow patrons to explore and learn how to use the special equipment.
- Lorain offers separate adult, young adult (YA), and children’s collections of Spanish materials.
- This branch has a large community garden in the rear of the building.
- Branch partners include the Detroit Shoreway Community Development Corporation, West Side Community House, Willard Head Start, H. Barbara Booker Elementary School, Almira Elementary School, Halle School Marion C. Seltzer Elementary School, Stockyard elementary and middle schools, and several child care centers.
Lorain Weather
- Temperature: 56° F
- Wind Speed: 8.1mph
- Wind Direction: NW
- Daily Rain (Inches): 0.2
- Barometric Pressure: 29.3
Last updated: Friday, April 19 2024 3:57 pm
Events and Exhibitions
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Monday, April 22 | 4 pm
Building Blocks Club
Lorain
Channel your inner builder by creating new structures with your friends. We'll provide some ideas if you need inspiration or show off your imagination and your building skills using our LEGO™ bricks and K'nex sets.
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Tuesday, April 23 | 10:30 am
Pre-School Storytime (ages 3-5)
Lorain
Storytimes for preschoolers ages 3 to 5 include stories, songs, activities, and rhymes specially designed to support reading readiness and foster the social and emotional skills that kids need to succeed as they enter Kindergarten.
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Wednesday, April 24 | 3 pm
Young Scholars’ Academy: Beginner
Lorain
The Beginner Academy is for scholars ages 3 – 4 (not entering Kindergarten in the Fall 2024) and their parent or other caring adult. Together, enjoy a literacy-based program which is engaging for scholars while providing parents with researched based tips. Then, continue to explore learning through activities including unstructured play. Take home materials and books are provided to extend learning into the home!
Register at cpl.org/kids-teens/kindergarten-readiness/ Questions? Call 216-623-7114
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Wednesday, April 24 | 4:30 pm
Young Scholars’ Academy: Transitional Program
Lorain
Young Scholars' Academy: Transitional Program is for children ages 4 – 6 who are in Kindergarten or will be entering Kindergarten in the fall of 2024 and their parent and/or other caring adult. Engaging, once-a-week lessons for children are based on the Ohio Department of Education Learning Standards and provide parents with research-based tips that supports learning opportunities at home.
This Spring session will hold 10 weekly lessons at several branches. Register now by visiting the Kindergarten Readiness Programs information page at CPL.org/kids-teens/kindergarten-readiness If you have questions or to register by phone please call YSA office at 216-623-7114
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Thursday, April 25 | 4 pm
Water, Water, Everywhere
Lorain
STEAM program series, come to one or all. This week we will be using hands-on kits to experiment with a mock fish frenzy and build a model watershed Ages 8 and up, while supplies last.
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Monday, April 29 | 4 pm
Building Blocks Club
Lorain
Channel your inner builder by creating new structures with your friends. We'll provide some ideas if you need inspiration or show off your imagination and your building skills using our LEGO™ bricks and K'nex sets.
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Tuesday, April 30 | 10:30 am
Pre-School Storytime (ages 3-5)
Lorain
Storytimes for preschoolers ages 3 to 5 include stories, songs, activities, and rhymes specially designed to support reading readiness and foster the social and emotional skills that kids need to succeed as they enter Kindergarten.
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Tuesday, April 30 | 4:30 pm
0 to 3: Read to Me Playdate
Lorain
Building your child’s brain is as simple as reading, singing, playing and talking! Join us as we read engaging books and sing lively songs with plenty of time for playing and talking! For children ages 0 to 3 (36 months) and a caring adult. Siblings welcome. Giveaways! Questions? Call 216-623-7011. This program is made possible by a generous grant from The Bruening Foundation.
Browse a complete listing of upcoming 0 to 3: Read to Me programs at cpl.org/readtome
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Wednesday, May 1 | 3 pm
Young Scholars’ Academy: Beginner
Lorain
The Beginner Academy is for scholars ages 3 – 4 (not entering Kindergarten in the Fall 2024) and their parent or other caring adult. Together, enjoy a literacy-based program which is engaging for scholars while providing parents with researched based tips. Then, continue to explore learning through activities including unstructured play. Take home materials and books are provided to extend learning into the home!
Register at cpl.org/kids-teens/kindergarten-readiness/ Questions? Call 216-623-7114
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Wednesday, May 1 | 4:30 pm
Young Scholars’ Academy: Transitional Program
Lorain
Young Scholars' Academy: Transitional Program is for children ages 4 – 6 who are in Kindergarten or will be entering Kindergarten in the fall of 2024 and their parent and/or other caring adult. Engaging, once-a-week lessons for children are based on the Ohio Department of Education Learning Standards and provide parents with research-based tips that supports learning opportunities at home.
This Spring session will hold 10 weekly lessons at several branches. Register now by visiting the Kindergarten Readiness Programs information page at CPL.org/kids-teens/kindergarten-readiness If you have questions or to register by phone please call YSA office at 216-623-7114
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Thursday, May 2 | 4 pm
Water, Water, Everywhere
Lorain
STEAM program series, come to one or all. This week we will be using hands-on kits to create and experiment with building a water filter! Ages 8 and up, while supplies last.
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Monday, May 6 | 4 pm
Building Blocks Club
Lorain
Channel your inner builder by creating new structures with your friends. We'll provide some ideas if you need inspiration or show off your imagination and your building skills using our LEGO™ bricks and K'nex sets.
-
Tuesday, May 7 | 10:30 am
Pre-School Storytime (ages 3-5)
Lorain
Storytimes for preschoolers ages 3 to 5 include stories, songs, activities, and rhymes specially designed to support reading readiness and foster the social and emotional skills that kids need to succeed as they enter Kindergarten.
-
Wednesday, May 8 | 3 pm
Young Scholars’ Academy: Beginner
Lorain
The Beginner Academy is for scholars ages 3 – 4 (not entering Kindergarten in the Fall 2024) and their parent or other caring adult. Together, enjoy a literacy-based program which is engaging for scholars while providing parents with researched based tips. Then, continue to explore learning through activities including unstructured play. Take home materials and books are provided to extend learning into the home!
Register at cpl.org/kids-teens/kindergarten-readiness/ Questions? Call 216-623-7114
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Wednesday, May 8 | 4:30 pm
Young Scholars’ Academy: Transitional Program
Lorain
Young Scholars' Academy: Transitional Program is for children ages 4 – 6 who are in Kindergarten or will be entering Kindergarten in the fall of 2024 and their parent and/or other caring adult. Engaging, once-a-week lessons for children are based on the Ohio Department of Education Learning Standards and provide parents with research-based tips that supports learning opportunities at home.
This Spring session will hold 10 weekly lessons at several branches. Register now by visiting the Kindergarten Readiness Programs information page at CPL.org/kids-teens/kindergarten-readiness If you have questions or to register by phone please call YSA office at 216-623-7114
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Saturday, May 11 | 12 pm
Puppet Party
Lorain
Express yourself by creating your own hand puppet. Everything is provided, while supllies last. Let your creative imagination run free!
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Monday, May 13 | 4 pm
Building Blocks Club
Lorain
Channel your inner builder by creating new structures with your friends. We'll provide some ideas if you need inspiration or show off your imagination and your building skills using our LEGO™ bricks and K'nex sets.
-
Tuesday, May 14 | 10:30 am
Pre-School Storytime (ages 3-5)
Lorain
Storytimes for preschoolers ages 3 to 5 include stories, songs, activities, and rhymes specially designed to support reading readiness and foster the social and emotional skills that kids need to succeed as they enter Kindergarten.
-
Tuesday, May 14 | 4:30 pm
0 to 3: Read to Me Playdate
Lorain
Building your child’s brain is as simple as reading, singing, playing and talking! Join us as we read engaging books and sing lively songs with plenty of time for playing and talking! For children ages 0 to 3 (36 months) and a caring adult. Siblings welcome. Giveaways! Questions? Call 216-623-7011. This program is made possible by a generous grant from The Bruening Foundation.
Browse a complete listing of upcoming 0 to 3: Read to Me programs at cpl.org/readtome
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Wednesday, May 15 | 3 pm
Young Scholars’ Academy: Beginner
Lorain
The Beginner Academy is for scholars ages 3 – 4 (not entering Kindergarten in the Fall 2024) and their parent or other caring adult. Together, enjoy a literacy-based program which is engaging for scholars while providing parents with researched based tips. Then, continue to explore learning through activities including unstructured play. Take home materials and books are provided to extend learning into the home!
Register at cpl.org/kids-teens/kindergarten-readiness/ Questions? Call 216-623-7114