Cleveland Public Library

A Storied History and Architectural Gem

The Main Branch’s historic core was completed in 1925, designed by the renowned architectural firm Walker & Weeks in a grand Classical Revival style. Its stately facade and rich interiors reflect the civic pride of early 20th-century Cleveland and echo the city’s broader architectural heritage. In the 1990s, the library underwent major expansions and renovations, including the Louis Stokes Wing finished in 1997, which added modern facilities and expanded collections.

Why the Main Branch Matters

As the flagship location of the Cleveland Public Library system, the Main Branch stands as a symbol of lifelong learning, civic engagement, and cultural preservation. Its combination of history, resources, and modern amenities makes it an essential destination for both residents and visitors in Cleveland.

What Makes the Main Branch Special

📚 Vast Collections and Unique Treasures

The library houses millions of books, periodicals, recordings, and digital resources, as well as Special Collections including rare books, historical documents, and one of the world’s largest chess collections — making it a vital destination for researchers, historians, and curious minds alike.

🖼️ Beautiful Spaces and Cultural Highlights

Visitors can admire spaces like Brett Hall, with soaring ceilings and classical design, or historic murals created as part of the Works Progress Administration (WPA) arts projects. These artistic and architectural features make a trip to the library both educational and visually stunning.

💻 Modern Services and Community Programs

Beyond traditional collections, the Main Branch offers public computers, free Wi‑Fi, e-books, databases, and research tools. It also hosts lectures, workshops, art exhibitions, and children’s programs, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

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📍 Cleveland Public Library Branches

Main Library –
325 Superior Avenue NE, Cleveland, OH 44114 | Phone: (216) 623‑2800

Addison Branch –
6901 Superior Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44103 | Phone: (216) 623‑6906

Brooklyn Branch –
3706 Pearl Rd., Cleveland, OH 44109 | Phone: (216) 623‑6920

Carnegie West Branch –
1900 Fulton Rd., Cleveland, OH 44113 | Phone: (216) 623‑6927

Collinwood Branch –
856 E. 152nd St., Cleveland, OH 44110 | Phone: (216) 623‑6934

East 131st Street Branch –
3830 E. 131st St., Cleveland, OH 44120 | Phone: (216) 623‑6941

Eastman Branch –
11602 Lorain Ave., Cleveland, OH 44111 | Phone: (216) 623‑6955

Fleet Branch –
7224 Broadway, Cleveland, OH 44105 | Phone: (216) 623‑6962

Fulton Branch –
3545 Fulton Rd., Cleveland, OH 44109 | Phone: (216) 623‑6969

Garden Valley Branch –
7201 Kinsman Rd. Suite 101, Cleveland, OH 44104 | Phone: (216) 623‑6976

Glenville Branch –
11900 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, OH 44108 | Phone: (216) 623‑6983

Harvard‑Lee Branch –
16918 Harvard Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44128 | Phone: (216) 623‑6990

Hough Branch –
1566 Crawford Rd., Cleveland, OH 44106 | Phone: (216) 623‑6997

Jefferson Branch –
850 Jefferson Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44113 | Phone: (216) 623‑7004

Langston Hughes Branch –
10200 Superior Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106 | Phone: (216) 623‑6975

Lorain Branch –
8216 Lorain Ave., Cleveland, OH 44102 | Phone: (216) 623‑7011

Martin L. King, Jr. Branch –
1962 Stokes Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44106 | Phone: (216) 623‑7018

Memorial‑Nottingham Branch –
17109 Lake Shore Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44110 | Phone: (216) 623‑7039

Mt. Pleasant Branch –
14000 Kinsman Rd., Cleveland, OH 44120 | Phone: (216) 623‑7032

Rice Branch –
11535 Shaker Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44120 | Phone: (216) 623‑7046

Rockport Branch –
4421 W. 140th St., Cleveland, OH 44135 | Phone: (216) 623‑7053

South Branch –
3096 Scranton Rd., Cleveland, OH 44113 | Phone: (216) 623‑7060

South Brooklyn Branch –
4303 Pearl Rd., Cleveland, OH 44109 | Phone: (216) 623‑7067

Sterling Branch –
2200 E. 30th St., Cleveland, OH 44115 | Phone: (216) 623‑7074

Union Branch –
3463 E. 93rd St., Cleveland, OH 44104 | Phone: (216) 623‑7088

Walz Branch –
7910 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, OH 44102 | Phone: (216) 623‑7095

West Park Branch –
3805 W. 157th St., Cleveland, OH 44111 | Phone: (216) 623‑7102

Woodland Branch –
5806 Woodland Ave., Cleveland, OH 44104 | Phone: (216) 623‑7109

References

The Cleveland Public Library – Main Branch
Cleveland Public Library. Official Website. https://cpl.org/locations/main

Cleveland Main Library and Linda Anne Eastman: A Rare Library and Librarian
The Land CLE. Stories on Cleveland History. https://thelandcle.org/stories/cleveland-main-library-and-linda-anne-eastman-a-rare-library-and-librarian

Cleveland Public Library: Historic Expansion and Collections
Fresh Water Cleveland. Cleveland History Features. https://www.freshwatercleveland.com/features/cpl092415.aspx

Cleveland Public Library Main Branch Hours and Location
Search CPL. Library Hours & Locations. https://search.cpl.org/AJAX/JSON?method=getHoursAndLocations

The Clio – Cleveland Public Library Main Branch
The Clio. Cleveland History & Landmarks. https://theclio.com/entry/26727