What's in the Works

Cleveland Public Library is transforming Lorain Branch, which was created with funds from Andrew Carnegie in 1912, into a vibrant, fully renovated community library. Lorain Branch will be a library of the future that respects the historical nature of the building and the neighborhood.

FACILITIES MASTER PLAN - FUTURE VISION

It is recommended that the Lorain branch be renovated with a new addition built to the north of the building. The new addition would provide the opportunity to create a new entry into the building that serves as an additional public face rather than having the appearance of a service entrance. With the addition, the size of the branch will be able to expand its services however based on the location and limitations of parking it is recommended this remain a Neighborhood Branch.

What's There Now

The site is currently the “Greek-inspired” building that is constructed of buff brick with stone trimmings.

FACILITIES MASTER PLAN - CURRENT STATE

As a Carnegie branch the building was one of the first branches in the system and much of that historic character is intact on both the exterior and the interior. Though it is not co-located with other institutions it is in a highly visible location and is well used by its service area. While the original entry off Lorain is still open, the access from the parking lot via a long side ramp to a service door has become the entry experience for many patrons coming to the library. The building has room to expand on site to the north and east though on-site parking could not be increased.

What's Happening Next

The project is in the design phase. Please check the timeline for upcoming events. We invite you to subscribe for email updates and add your feedback or ask questions in our comment section. At Cleveland Public Library, Our Future is Building. For more information on all projects, click here courbanize.com/collections/cpl.