(Plain Press, May 2018)       As Cleveland Public Library approaches its 150th anniversary, the Library is embarking on an ambitious, multiyear capital project to ensure its neighborhood branch libraries can continue to function as safe, inclusive, and sustainable environments.

The first phase of this two-pronged revitalization project will address critical repairs to ten branches located throughout the Library system. Branches impacted by this maintenance work include Lorain, Glenville, Jefferson, Harvard-Lee, Carnegie West, Addison, Fulton, Langston Hughes, Rockport, and Collinwood.

As the first branches scheduled for construction, Lorain and Glenville temporarily closed on February 5, 2018.

Work has been completed at the Lorain Branch, W. 82^ndand Lorain Avenue, and the library has reopened.

Additional branches will be closed for revitalization on a rolling basis throughout the spring and summer of 2018.  Jefferson Branch in Tremont is currently closed. Carnegie West Branch, at Fulton and Bridge Avenue, will close when Jefferson Branch reopens in mid-June.

Most branch libraries are expected to close for approximately six to twelve weeks. During this process, patrons in affected neighborhoods will be redirected to nearby branches to obtain library services. After the completion of repairs, the Library will seek feedback from within each branch’s community to determine what additional improvements—such as configuring the interior space, making cosmetic improvements, incorporating new technologies, and more—might benefit the branch.

This branch revitalization plan marks the third system-wide capital project in Cleveland Public Library’s nearly 150-year history.

Changes for Jefferson Branch and Carnegie West Branch will focus on: ADA accessibility, HVAC systems, mechanical units, roofs, and fire alarms.

While these branches are temporarily closed, nearby branches will be open and ready to serve library patrons. To learn more about the branch revitalization project, visit CLEforgood.cpl.org.