When you call me number the guy at the front desk named Rob goes above and beyond to try to assist you with whatever you may need and if he needs to research it call you back I haven't seen service like this in a long time I just want to give a shout out to Rob waiting for you guys got there very informative very professional very courteous and very knowledgeable thank you Rob goes read more

I am spoiled by living in Columbus with our well-funded library system, so the limited hours and Sunday closures in Cleveland always surprise me. That's beyond the scope of this review, though. I stopped into the library to see the opening of the exhibit commemorating the tenth anniversary of the Cavs' NBA Championship. I left after a four hour visit that included: -an escape room with a magnet as the prize -a scavenger hunt with a free t-shirt at the end -seeing the exhibit (which also included the Calder cup!) -meeting two artists who did artwork for the exhibit and getting autographed posters from one -sending unlimited free postcards of the library, the exhibit, and Cleveland -multiple coloring sessions and word searches -a free lunch from a taco truck (there was also cheesesteak and egg roll options) -watching people make me a button, tote bag, key chain, sticker, and coasters -making a stress ball -decorating a cookie and also getting a cupcake to bring home -meeting moondog -seeing tons of stuff, including a chess set of salt and pepper shakers, menus from the original stouffers, and the Superman pajamas I had as a kid in the library's regular exhibits I'm sure I'm forgetting something. Anyway, they know how to throw a party. read more

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We took a short walk between films at the film festival to see the Superman exhibit at the Cleveland Public Library. It had been many years since my last visit. I had forgotten how grand the library is. It is definitely a hidden gem. CPL is worth a visit for any visitor and local. The Superman exhibit was small but had many items of interest. The staff was very helpful in guiding us around the building. I really enjoyed the special collections that included menus from old Cleveland restaurants. As we walked around we spoke to staff. They were all very friendly. If you are going for reading material the CPL collection seemed enormous. read more

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Cleveland Public Library has two separate buildings: one is an older historic building with unique architectural features, special collections, and displays, while the other is a more modern research-focused building. I highly recommend taking a tour and learning more about the history and collections of both buildings. You should also check out the park space between the two libraries and find all the cute sculptures! read more

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Our destination was not exactly the Cleveland Library! We were going on an excursion of downtown Cleveland and it started to rain! It RAINED - poured and the only place we could get out of the rain was inside the vestibule of the public library! BUT, we discovered some of the most awesome metal sculptures on the fencing, on the building and outside in a few places. They were absolutely adorable! We have seen these type of sculptures in the 14th St Subway Station in NYC! They remind us of Monopoly people, and we absolutely LOVE them! We had NO idea that they would be in Cleveland, and without that pouring rainstorm we would have probably missed them! Cleveland has so many wonderful things to check out, but this by far is the BEST! Check them out! You don't need a rainstorm to take you there, but DO ENJOY! Those sculptures will bring smiles and joy to your life! :) read more

Cleveland Public Library in downtown Cleveland is a grandeur architectural gem. I have visited this library multiple times, always enjoy being surrounded by so much history (building circa 1925), ornate architecture, and literary talent. I highly recommend a visit whether you're Cleveland resident or a tourist. COLLECTION: The building contains three floors accessible by the grand staircase or elevator. The first floor contains Brett Memorial Hall, special exhibits, popular literature, and checkout counter. You will bring all your book and miscellaneous finds for checkout on the first floor. The second floor contains literature and Ohio Center for the Book. The third floor houses special collections, fine arts, and Cleveland Digital Public Library. The fourth floor has international language collection, youth services, and art lab. INTERNATIONAL COLLECTION: My favorite collection is the international language collection. It's the most impressive international language collection among all international collections at local libraries. This floor features art gallery, Chinese corner, DVDs from around the world, English as Second Language collection, international magazines, language-learning materials, and Native American language materials. If you're learning a new language or miss your own native language, the library is an excellent resource. The collection is continuously growing and has a lot of modern popular finds. For instance, I was able to find shelves upon shelves of Russian books and movies. Some were even relevant to the season - New Year Eve thrillers, Christmas cook books, and more. I get very excited looking for books in my native language here. EXHIBITS: The library has multiple current exhibits. Few prominent exhibits are currently available throughout the museum - Relay Cleveland, The Superman Homecoming, and A Century in Sugar: Gingerbread Tribute. Relay Cleveland features African American History and Culture. The Superman Homecoming ties together the city's history and Superman. A Century in Sugar features Sarah Wagner's sweet replica of the library built using gingerbread. It's impressive and ornate. The latter will be on exhibit through December 31, 2025. All of these exhibits really adds to the experience and position the library as the community hub. Exhibits are free and readily accessible. SERVICE: All librarians at the library are very pleasant. They offer assistance and warmly help. They are very pleasant to interact with. At checkout you can even get a bag for your checked out items. GARDEN: The library has a spacious outdoor reading garden. Some local literary groups even host events at this location. It's perfect for summertime reading in the heart of the city. PARKING: No parking is available onsite. However, you'll find plenty of nearby lots and some street parking. EVENTS: The library has a seasonally busy event calendar. I was lucky to attend a few musical events in this space and was very impressed. The acoustics are excellent. BOOKSTORE: The library has a small cart inside on the first floor with limited books and DVD's on sale. If you are in a shopping mood, cross the street and visit the affiliated bookstore. Please not that it has different hours than the library. I highly recommend a visit to the library especially if you're looking for international literature. I can't wait to read my books in my native language. I checked out some New Year Eve thrillers and hope that they'll elevate my festive spirit. Visit this place for gorgeous architecture, impressive exhibits, literary gems, and so much history. read more

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I love the library including the Maker Space. If you are a creative you can make everything from buttons ,stickers to t-shirts fans and 3 d art as well as large print Banners. So much to do and things to learn. read more

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What a fun time! We were greeted by the friendly security staff. The different librarians in the different areas were helpful and kind. The Cleveland Main Lobby had an event for Superman. The new movie premiered Friday and this event was Saturday. Lots of activities and stations for kids and adults alike. Food trucks outside. The kids loved the gaming stations and the aquarium. We will definitely be back! read more

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The Cleveland Public Library was a must see location on our visit to Cleveland. The Walker and Weeks architecture was something to marvel over. The library fixtures and details are gorgeous and grand. I really enjoyed two special exhibits on display during our visit. The first is a rotating permanent collection of Superman memorabilia and history. The new Superman movie had a scene filmed right outside of the library and a librarian was eager to share details of this with us. The second was an interactive art installation from FriendsWithYou. An art collaboration who created The Band. Interactive large scale autonomous robots who engage with you while standing in the exhibit space. The exhibit was so charming and fun. They had special informative cards with details on the band, as well as a guest book you could sign. This was a very special fun experience you won't forget each robot was designed with their own personality. I also spoke with a librarian at this display and she gave me some exciting tips on details to check out within the library. read more

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I finally visited in March 2022 for an event celebrating Immigrants and Refugees with the newly elected Cleveland mayor, Justin Bibb. I visited again in July 2023 to view the popular "ARCHIVE" flowers immersive exhibit by British Artist Rebecca Louise Law. This exhibition was on display until Spring 2024 and it was a wonderful site to see. The downtown library has thousands of books and resources at your fingertips. RECENT VISIT -- I visited on a Saturday (late morning to early afternoon) on 14 December 2024 to do some work on my laptop. I worked at the main building. I asked a front desk employee of quiet places that patrons go to work or study and she suggested the 2nd floor. The 2nd floor, the literature floor, was indeed quiet with a few visitors passing through every 40 minutes or so. I also enjoyed visiting the Louis Stokes Wing, which is the building next to the main building that is also part of the library. The very top floor of the Louis Stokes Wing, the 10th floor, has a nice view of downtown. In 2023, I visited the Eastman Reading Garden which is an outside space that is in-between the main library building and the Louis Stokes Wing building. It's a beautiful garden and you can read my Yelp review on the Eastman Garden's Yelp page. LIBRARY HISTORY -- "Cleveland Public Library first opened as a "Public School Library" for the Cleveland Board of Education in 1869. It was the first large public library to allow people to select their own books directly from its bookshelves." "The Main Library in downtown Cleveland consists of the historic Main Library Building built in 1925 and renovated in 1999; the Louis Stokes Wing completed in 1997; and the Eastman Reading Garden located between the two buildings. The two buildings and the garden take up an entire city block on Superior Avenue between East 3rd Street and East 6th Street. The Main Library's Subject Departments are divided between the two buildings." (per CPL's website) The library uses the CLEVNET network which is used at over 40 public library systems. So, if you are looking for a book, you can search the CLEVNET system online to see what library has the book. I love the Cleveland Public Library downtown location and you will too. Stop by for a visit. **** GOAL of 365 reviews in 2025 - 1/365 total reviews in 2025 - 782 total overall Yelp reviews - Reviewed on 1 January 2025 read more

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Cleveland Public Library (CPL) is indeed the People's University! Yesterday, they hosted the second annual Northeast Ohio Youth Climate Summit, accommodating a fantastic keynote speaker (Sage Lenier), almost 300 students (grades 9-12) from all around Northeast Ohio, a catering company, volunteers, and an Opportunity Fair with 20 organizations - all in the Louis Stokes wing!!! Can you say gracious, supportive, informative, and more than accommodating?! Words cannot express the gratitude my partners and I have for this organization. We outgrew our original location last year, and after growing from 75 students and 10 vendors, we TRIPLED our numbers in a year!!! CPL is centrally located, able to accommodate every walk of life, and has every resource you can imagine - and it's the most prominent example of sustainability in action! I highly recommend you work with them (or your local library) for your next event! read more

Cleveland Public Library - Libraries Near Me - Cleveland, Ohio

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This library has theives working there How many people have returned items and the library sends you a bill claiming you didnt. How nany people have been told you can return items to any library, they print a list when you take things out, but they wont print a list when you return things. read more

Other than having a really wide variety selection of books and being a great study space, check out CPL's website for some of the events they host! Often free, comes with food, and have well-known guests - just need to register! They're having a 100th anniversary series of events and this one was in conjunction with AAPI month and the Library for Blind and Print Disabled. They invited CHRISTINE HA, MasterChef winner, award-winning chef who is also blind to give a cooking demonstration and talk about her journey into cooking. It was an INCREDIBLE event that was accessible to the visually impaired with close captioning prompters and ASL interpreters. It started with a reception of complimentary large array of fruits, veggies, and asian pastries, then went into introducing the Chef Ha, Q&A, a live cooking demonstration by her, and finally a book signing where almost a quarter of the auditorium got her cooking book for free! She was amazing. Highly recommend checking out these events, the CPL's organization of these events are spectacular and they have another event coming up May 10th for their official 100th anniversary. No designated parking space - try street parking on E. 6th or anywhere within the vicinity (metered unless weekend or weekdays after 6pm generally) For evening events, there are 2 entrances and one is usually closed, just walk about 50 feet to the other entrance, same street. read more

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Home to one of the greatest Chess collections in the world, the Special Collections room is like an all-access pass to Chess memorabilia and history. After a phone call in advance with Ray Rozman, I was treated to see and handle priceless artifacts of Chess history like signed scoresheets from Bobby Fischer, Emmanuel Lasker's scrapbooks and medals, and more. I got to {carefully} read a Telex scroll of a Fischer game played against a remote opponent in Cuba. It truly brought the event to life reading the side chatter of the folks arranging and relaying the game. If you have a Chess enthusiast anywhere near downtown Cleveland, call in advance so they can prepare your trip through time. Although I came here just for the Chess, there was also a sampling of Hamilton-related documents as well with documents from John Adams and Aaron Burr. Give them a look on the Third Floor. read more

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I wanted to see "The Archive," a flower immersive art installation by Rebecca Louise Law. This artist is known for using natural materials to create immersive installations. According to the literature, the artist has been collecting flowers since 2003 for projects. Over 50,000 local flowers from Cleveland have been used for The Archive. This installation includes more than 200,000 flowers. The installation is in the Main Library, Brett Hall. It is suspended from an 18 ft Douglas fir frame. You can walk around the flowers and there is an aisle that goes through the installation. It's beautiful painstaking work that these flowers were collected, sorted, dried and afterwards will be used in a future installation. The library itself is quite impressive, from the Main Library built in 1925, to its new building in 1997 (there is an underground walkway that connects them). The Cleveland Public Library has one of the largest collections in the US. read more

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Blown away! I was truly blown away by this public library. It holds many exhibits & areas. Not to mention a tower with a great view of the city. read more

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A magnificent Building and accompanying Stokes Tower anchor the downtown Cleveland square This is truly the rival of any city Library system The first thing you might notice is the friendly competent Library Staff led by Kerry and a fellow whose name tag said J Cannon The process of obtaining a library card takes one form of identification and one correspondence. And then a long walk down the passageway to the tenth floor Stokes viewing and seating area The Fifth floor Negro League repository is also worth a visit You are not only welcomed here in a unique Cleveland manner, you are served ! read more

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I just want to take a moment to thank Allison at the Main Library Downtown for the incredible service and kindness she showed me. From the moment I walked in, she went above and beyond to make sure I felt welcomed and taken care of. I came in with a question about whether the Cleveland Public Library was still offering free Coursera training. Since I was paying out of pocket, I wanted to be sure about the Technology Microcredentials. Allison didn't just give me a quick answer--she provided thoughtful, patient, and attentive help. Even while training a new worker and assisting other patrons, she made several calls to track down the information I needed. She's an amazing multitasker with great time management skills, and above all, a great listener. What really stood out was that she stopped to listen when I explained how to find the training under the "Services" tab instead of "Learn." That saved me time and showed how much she valued my input. In the end, I learned that the library no longer offers Coursera but does provide access to edX. Thanks to Allison, I was able to adjust my plans--I'll finish my Google IT Support on Coursera, and now I'm also enrolled in HarvardX's Computer Science for Python Programming on edX. It's rare to come across someone who truly loves what they do, and it shines through in every detail of the way Allison works. I've visited libraries across the country, and Allison has given me the best customer service I've ever experienced. Whoever hired her made an excellent choice. Thank you, Allison, for turning what could have been an ordinary visit into such a memorable and positive experience. People like you make all the difference! read more

Great place to have a tour, or go into the different departments on your own. The staff are so kind and will talk your ear off. Today I saw The Archive...a flower and plant immersive experience in the great exhibit hall. It was stunningly beautiful. The library has lots of good exhibits and programs for all ages. Check their website for events. See the Superman exhibit on floor 2. The chess and small book collections are on floor 3. Learn how to use the digital equipment on floor 3. There are so many things here to learn and do. Check it out. read more

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Great library... totally worth a visit even if you don't think so. Superman exhibit. Chess exhibit. Beautiful garden read more

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This is a beautiful location - there are two buildings with a reading garden between them. There was a neat art display in the garden, with large, swooping inflatable shapes throughout. A variety of seating options are available for spending some extra time in the garden. There's a nice display area on the first floor - at the time of our visit, the exhibit was about puppets around the world, which was neat for the whole family to see. The staff was very friendly - we were greeted upon arrival, told about the puppet exhibit, and, when we were done there, directed to other areas of interest. The kids area has a great selection of books, plus a fun play area featuring a little house and a variety of toys. The building is ornate and a work of art in and of itself. Very nice library! read more

Cleveland Public Library - Beautiful mural in the exhibit space. - Libraries Near Me - Cleveland, Ohio

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Fantastic world class library! Visit the CPL for research, reading pleasure or to see the Superman Exhibit. The CPL is located on Superior across from the Hyatt Regency Arcade. Its a free institution and is well worth a visit. The old library is set in a historical renaissance style building and there is a new modern wing in a high-rise glass building next door. The interior of the old building is beautiful and even if you had no interest in the exhibits or books, go there to just see inside this magnificent building. Highly recommend. read more

Cleveland Public Library - Libraries Near Me - Cleveland, Ohio

I've had library cards in many other cities such as Chicago, DC, and Richmond, and this library system is BY FAR the best one. Around DC or a lot of urban areas anymore, you can put in a request and then just wait five months to get it until you've forgotten you've requested an item. Not so with Cleveland, with stocks plenty of the newest releases and even though there's a wait list, I always get the movies/books pretty quickly. They coordinate with Hoopla so there is a good selection of on-demand movies, audiobooks, and e-books as well. I use the downtown location on a weekly basis, and the security guards and staff are always friendly. One lady always asks me if I meant to order blu-ray because some customers accidentally do and then can't use it. There is a little deposit box on the street corner if you're just dropping up, or you can use the drive-through window (I haven't used) to pick up or drop off, but you'll have to choose that option when you put in a reservation. "Main Library Drive-Through" Seen this in Southern cities, but definitely useful in this windy/cold one. As they are celebrating their 150th anniversary, they just announced this week that they will not collect any more fines at their branches for overdue movies or books. This is an interesting decision and in much debate in the library world, as some see it as a deterrence to those using the library system. I hope that other patrons won't abuse this, but also I believe the library will still suspend your account until you bring the item back. There are many services and events at the downtown location I have yet to try out, as they have live music, book talks, and more listed on their website. They also have a pay phone in the area where you pick up reservations (rare to see nowadays) and classes and tutoring sessions for a wide variety of subjects. Outside of the Library of Congress this is by far the best library system I've seen and even if you don't like books (how dare you!) there's so much more that they offer. Check out their website! read more

This library is beyond stunning - it's such a local treasure! I had the chance to poke around a bit last weekend since I was in town for four days. Two of my friends were getting married and they decided to take photos with their family & bridal party at their favorites spots around town. CLE Public Library was first on the list! The building is absolutely gorgeous. It's set in an ornate historic building with marble stairways, beautifully embellished ceilings, and a series of both grand and cozy spaces for any kind of event, meeting, or quiet study time. Oh yeah, and books! It's truly a special space and I'm glad I got a chance to take a look around. read more

Cleveland Public Library - Libraries Near Me - Cleveland, Ohio

OMG HI, this is a friendly PSA that the Cleveland Public Library exists, it's ours, its beautiful, and a top urban treasure of the Cleveland community. It's easy to forget you're in Cleveland, as our library has a distinctly NYC classic vibe. Really, when was the last time you were in here? Because if you haven't been in a while, do yourself the service and wander in. The beautiful, historic architecture in the library is enough to stop you in your tracks. The sweeping ceilings, modern art again historic architecture and definitive lighting illuminate every floor. Also, every floor is totally different... if you've seen one floor, you've seen one floor. CPL has standout collections in many departments, but for the sake of brevity, I'll mention a couple of my favorites: international languages, popular movies/music and fiction. The language section is particularly legit: they have current collections of magazines, books and pop culture broken up by country, and the language learning section is super plentiful. Seriously, I have never seen such a well stocked and LARGE collection of language DVDs, CDs, and computer programs, including Rosetta Stone. So if you're like me and have been bad at keeping up with your German, get your butt to this floor immediately. No waiting on crazy long wait lists for these Rosetta Stones. Literally, its like a Christmas miracle. Overall, don't overlook the CPL if you need a place to do work, make a home office, or just want to read and write. They also have incredible programming such as creative writing courses, which I hope to attend someday. Even if you're indoors, soak in the natural light that seeps through the windows and take advantage of their fantastic collections. read more

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I worked a joint yearly event on Friday with Cleveland Public Library called "Be My Neighbor Day." The library is beautiful, clean and well maintained. The staff was really helpful. All the people who attended the event seemed to have a great time. Overall we all had a wonderful time and I can't wait to do it all over again next year. read more

Cleveland Public Library - Cleveland Public Library, indoor reading garden, and Katerina Kittycat & Daniel Tiger - Libraries Near Me - Cleveland, Ohio

# To the budget traveler: This is a MUST SEE in Cleveland and it is FREE. I highly recommend going to see this library even if you are just a tourist. The architecture and exhibitions are more impressive than any other public space in Cleveland. This may be the best Public Library in the U.S. The architecture is incredible and the staff is friendly and will gladly answer any questions that you may have about the place. I found that I could take the elevator to the 10th floor for a magnificent and FREE view of the city. The 10th floor is labeled as an administrative floor, but it is open to public, so don't worry just go ahead. No one will stop you. The library is actually composed of 2 buildings across the street from each other, connected by an underground walkway. As I took the underground path from the new building to explore the old one, I met a kind volunteer and had a surprisingly engaging conversation about the library, Cleveland and about life. He told me exactly where to go in the old library building to see some elegant architecture and a couple of interesting exhibitions. read more

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"There is no Dana. Only Zuul!" Ghostbusters was a great movie that showed viewers that a library can be a fun and exciting place. The portal that is opened in the movie is a metaphor for the opening of the pineal gland or 3rd eye for those into Hieroglyphics. I saw Rza speak last Friday at CPL. He gave out 300 copies of "The Tao of Wu". I had a great time and will always remember this experience. At least until dementia hits. It has been a few years since I have been back to the lie-berry. My friend commented how he remembered a field trip to CPL and he saw the world's smallest book. I guess they did this on all field trips. There are so many great programs and I am so thankful to the CPL and Rza for bringing me back down. I forgot about how great of a community resource we have in the library. read more

I'm so glad the library is back open! I visited today for the first time and it was such a treat to get to browse the shelves again. At this time, you must enter through the Louis Stokes wing doors but you can exit from anywhere. They have a welcome area where a library employee lists the COVID precautions, answers questions and provides you with a slip for your one hour visit window. Once you check out your items, head to the reading garden, a shady urban oasis perfect for having a snack and enjoying your book. I'm grateful to have such a wonderful institution in my backyard. read more

WOw, this place is huge! I wasn't looking for anything in particular so I cant' speak of their selection but the variety is overwhelming. Two city blocks of everything one could possibly need. The architecture on the original building was very nice to look at from my 8th floor hotel window but was more impressive in person..quite a contract to the modern piece of building next door to it. The park in between was nice secluded piece of nature too (although the don't feed any bird anywhere anytime signs were annoying) All in all a good little hide out when you're stuck in Cleveland with nothing to do . read more

Just a great place. History there. Beautiful building. Friendly staff. Everyone who visits Cleveland should visit the public library downtown. And hopefully every kid who goes to school in Cleveland there's a field trip there. read more

I can hardly believe that I'm actually admitting this, but here it goes... Before this past weekend I had never been to the main branch of Cleveland Public Library. That's right, never. I know, it's hurts me to think that with all the time I spend downtown that I've never been to this particular location. Although I've utilized some of the other CPL branches quite frequently, I'm still ashamed! Well, all that guilt stops here because I'm officially addicted to this amazing Cleveland public resource! My first vision of the CPL was walking around the front. It's separated into two connected buildings, one new and one old. Isn't this just the "Cleveland story"? It's such an old city full of rich history, but we're slowly updating all while maintaining the integrity of our past. I love that the CPL captures this idea. I walked around the back of the building and was pleasantly surprised by the gorgeous outdoor atrium! The design was something out of a story book. There were benches and chairs everywhere for you to plop down on, read and relax. At the center of it all was a unique and tranquil fountain with quotes and excerpts from literature. The interior of the buildings matched the look of the outside quite well. One reminded you of past Cleveland scholars or families who must have spend many of hours here researching and learning. The other was a look into the present day with all the resources you could ever need in a public library, plus more! Honestly, sometimes I forget what an amazing advantage I have in the CPL. If I need to rent movies (new ones!), books, music, etc., I can do it all for free! Need internet access or time on a computer? This is also free! You can even print off some pages of research. Looking for a book you can't find anywhere else? You'll find it here! If not, they'll contact one of the other Cleveland branches and get it for you. Visit their website and you can order books and even set up email reminders for due dates! This is huge for me because I always forget those pesky dates. Oy, all those fines! This is an incredible asset for the youth of Cleveland as well. It gives everyone the access to educational material, no matter what your situation may be. Whether you need to study, chill out, get away, do some research or even just have some quiet time, CPL is there for you! Utilize this amazing resource we have in Cleveland! read more

Cleveland Public Library - Outdoor courtyard - Libraries Near Me - Cleveland, Ohio

Absolutely disgusting. The restrooms were NEVER clean on the bottom floor. One toilet was clogged for three days and it was like someone had just gotten done playing in the water. They smelled TERRIBLE and it was like a homeless shelter. Just about every single time I walked in there was a homeless person there. I don't think we will ever be returning. read more

IF THIS IS THE LIBRARY, WHERE'S THE PALACE? There is absolutely no way I could ever appreciate this beautiful historic building solely as a library. From the double marble stairways to the beautiful ornate ceilings, it was just totally mesmerizing. It was built in 1869 and appears to have been recently renovated. The library is very large and open and although there are elevators, I enjoyed climbing the beautiful stairway and getting an entirely different perspective than I would have otherwise. On each level there is something of visual interest such as the Shakespeare exhibit, the televised documentary on creating comic books and art installations. Although this library is a major tourist attraction, it is still very much a working library and when you walk into the actual work areas, you will find a very quiet and functional space. You absolutely can't miss this place as the architecture just beckons you to come in an take a look around. Take time to check out their special collections and when you visit the Shakespeare exhibit, put on that Elizabethan collar and hair accessory, (in the chest on the table), for the ultimate photo op! PS. When you enter you will be greeted by a seated security officer. While he is a nice guy, do not ask him for directions to the Soldier and Sailors Monument because he doesn't know. Okay "Brother-man", while you are sitting at your post enjoying some down time, please get to know your city and its awesome landmarks. Thanks!. read more

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***This is a nice library inside-and-out; the exterior design is good and I really like the interior (it has a great classical and historical look, but they have also done a really good job updating this library to make it contemporary and comfortable); their collection is also good though the central public library in Downtown Los Angeles is more impressive*** There are a few nearby paid lots and structures; since this library is located right in Downtown Cleveland, parking is expensive. read more

Unlike Seattle, where you can't find good DVDs or videos actually sitting on a shelf, in Cleveland there are not only myriads of shelving devoted to DVDS, but, more importantly, they are all full of DVDs! Although many exasperated Clevelanders can easily find plenty of topics to complain about, there is little to complain about regarding their public library system. Vis-a-vis other parts of the country I have visited, Cleveland and Cuyahoga County Libraries have one of the best libraries in the whole country--only the Columbus Metropolitan Library can claim to have a system on an equal footing. (Plus, the county and city library share their resources with their respective residents, which makes everyone involved happier). King County and Seattle need to wake up and smell the coffee. They could create a better experience for everyone if they pooled their resources together. It's a shame that I can't get King county materials near Shoreline shipped to Rainier! Finally, I love the old classical architecture and the nice outdoor garden. I wish I had spent more time at the downtown branch when I lived there. read more

Cleveland. Home of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Home of the Cleveland Indians, The Browns and The Cavs. A storied and rabid fan base of sports fans, to be sure and a history of rugged, hearty individuals. However, one can look to the Cleveland Public Library as an example of a city that values not only the sporting life, but the pursuit of knowledge. As a librarian, I've had the opportunity to visit many storehouses of information in many towns, villages and cities across the country. However, the Cleveland Public Library just about took my breath away. I entered through the Main Wing, built in 1925 and its beauty holds up after all these years. The ceilings and environment are difficult to capture, but this is where I would recommend starting your tour if you make it to downtown Cleveland. From my research, I found that Cleveland had the first children's room and my girls and I had to make a special point to explore what they had available. I also ventured to the newer side, the Louis Stokes Wing, which houses the DVDs, Business, Science, Government Documents and a stunning Computer Learning Connection which blends the classic library with the new guard. All in all, an impressive library in a city with a reputation for sports, but knows that having balance is important, too. read more

After living in Cleveland for a year, I finally found out that I live within walking distance of the library-- WHAAAAT? YAH exactly. I went a few days ago, signed up for my new card and couldn't stop smiling for whatever reason. Maybe because I couldn't wait to explore this beautiful place especially after reading other reviews. I went straight to the Social Sciences floor and was impressed to see all the new books they had as well as some older ones. Everything was neatly organized and there are many tables throughout to study or do work at, I love this kind of set-up. The bottom floor, has a computer lab with many computers. I didn't explore the rest as I spent an hour on the SS floor alone, but I will be spending a lot of winter time in here. Anyway, I borrowed two books and one of them is AHMAZING and I'm currently hooked on it (Yoga Bitch) -- must read if you're on the hunt for your next book. Friendly and helpful employees. PS: FREE WIFI :) read more

Oh man! The hours upon hours I spent here while in High School...this is a gem of a library!!! Whatever you need or want for your reports, essays, papers, any thing you may need is here. I was not a very studious kid back then, but, always got good grades and I think it was, in part, to this wonderful place to do research. I have not been back to this library for the above reason, but, I did stop in, for old times sake, 4 years ago...nothing has changed...still quiet...still old world looking...I have many a memory of this place and it is all good. They now have computers...jeez, I wish they had these when I was a kid!!! read more

Elected officials have tarnished the role of government in our lives. These elected officials have brought great wealth for the few and a decreasing standard of living for those who followed the rules. They argue daily over how much more they can take away from the working class. We forget what government can do and do better than any other organization. The Cleveland area benefits from government in at least two areas. We have enviable parks and a renowned library system. Since my third grade teacher took our class to the local library to get cards, I have had books on borrow. In the summer I try to go downtown several times a month. No matter if I am going to the farmers market on Public Square, a movie at Tower City, or lunch at Colonial Arcade, I visit CPL. I discover new authors or find the latest edition of favorites. Before I had cable TV and DVR I borrowed from a huge selection of videos. When I had a long drive I could always find talking books in various formats. When I was working on my doctorate, CPL actually purchased an obscure book I needed. Where CSU lacked CPL took over. Today I use the electronic resources for research and for browsing and placing holds on books. I have no idea which taxes I pay go toward the library or how much, but is money well spent. I would gladly vote yes on any library levy. With the two buildings and the pocket park it is campus like. At present I am not pleased with having new fiction in the new building and the fiction stacks in the old. I may find a new Jonathon Kellerman then have a too long trek to find previous works. I hear that the board has requested some rearranging and hope that all popular fiction can be placed together. Even if they do not I can save my steps by having the old Kellerman novels held for me at the check out desk. Then take my copy to the pocket park as Kellerman solves another murder in faraway Los Angeles. read more