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Our visit to Euclid Public Library was prior to the library’s opening which had some advantages: we were able to meet with staff informally in a casual setting.  This gave us an opportunity to learn about some of the exciting projects and programs at the library, such as  the collaborative project with the Cuyahoga County Digitization Center.  The library will be digitizing the entire run of the Euclid Journal and will make it available to customers. 

 

This library also has many successful outreach programs: 

 

The library participates in a Weed and Seed program at the police ministration. 

 

At a local coffee shop they drop off discards and this has grown into a community book exchange.  The outreach staff is looking at other venues for such collections.  

 

Of course, the library also participates in traditional outreach to senior centers and apartments to day cares and preschools.  Maureen Wilson is the “most famous person in Euclid” because children get so excited when ”Miss Library” comes to their facility.  Staff are truly making a difference on childrens’ lives. 

 

Deputy Director Tom Simiele and staff member staff member Rebecca McFarland then conducted a tour of the library.  One of the highlights of the library is their Reader’s Advisory corner.  Readers Advisory Librarian Marjory Mogg helps customers through on-site assistance, her publication “Marjory’s Picks” and Mogg’s Blog.  Reader’s Advisory has led to a huge jump in circulation.  Additionally the library has many unique discussion groups, including a monthly cookbook discussion.  The library has a teen area with 9 computers (there are 52 public access computers in the building), a gallery to display the works of local artists and an active children’s department.  One feature of the children’s department is the Sparkle Spot, a special room where a preschool child and their parent(s) can play and learn.  The Sparkle Spot even offers activity sheets for parents on activities for the library or for home. 

 

Finally, this very innovative library is very aware of the need to protect our earth. They have been incorporating a green culture as much as possible.  This will culminate in the near future.  The library, in partnership with the city, has applied for and received a grant to install solar panels which will generate 20% of the library’s electricity.

 

This is a truly innovative and progressive library. 

 

Rocky River Public Library

Rocky River Public Library is a warm and inviting location.  It is dark red brick and the recent renovation has restored the look and feel to the 1928 original.  At this library we were first met by one of the two official library greeters as well as by assistant director Jamie Mason.  Although a public library, Rocky River is also home to a large collection of Cowan Pottery and numerous art works.  This library is blessed with a very supportive community – they have a Friends Group, a Women’s Committee, a Foundation, and the Cowan Museum Association all of which support staff, programming and art. 

 

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The library receives approximately $40,000 of new art work each year. The library uses the Red Dot Project http://www.reddotproject.org/ to locate much of their art work.  The Project serves as a resource to connect artists with opportunities to sell or exhibit their work.  The library is so committed to the arts that a part time museum curator is on staff. 

 

 

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The definition of art also includes an extensive photograph collection and the library is currently working with the Cleveland Memory Project to digitize this resource and make it accessible to a wider audience. 

 

Technology is also a large part of the Rocky River mission.  They have 2.5 trainers on staff and both a public and staff computer lab.  Rocky River staff are particularly proud of the fact that they were visited this year by 6 Swedish Librarians who received a grant to visit the best American Libraries.  Rocky River was one of the three they visited. 

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Lakewood Public Library

The new addition at Lakewood Public Library makes for a very impressive sight as one approaches along Detroit Ave.  The entire library is bathed in orange and yellow hues.  We were told this color combination was chosen very deliberately to make the library a warm place and that even on the coldest winter day it provides a certain warmth.  And certainly the Grand Reading Room is impressive any day!  This room is graced with two murals, one of early Lakewood and one of Lakewood today.  The Library has posted a YouTube video of the hanging of these murals (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvFZnZKBtyo).  At the library we met with new director Jim Crawford, (on the job for three weeks!), Andy  Harrant and Nancy Seibert, Board President. 

 

Lakewood is a very densely populated area, with approximately 50,000 residents within 5 square miles.  And even more astounding is the fact that 32 languages are spoken in this community.  The library is extremely committed to serving this diverse population. 

 

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The second floor of the library contains a technology center with 60 computers, most of which were filled during our visit.  There is also a 20 computer training lab which is reserved for students after school.  But these are not the only computers devoted to youth.  The children’s computer lab, located in the children’s area has 5 computers for preschoolers and 8 children’s computers.  Youth can select from 200 games and activities.  There is also a homework center that contains copies of all K-8 texts and supplies and is staffed after school. 

 

Lakewood Public Library has a dynamic focus on youth.  The Lakewood Librarium is a centerpiece of the children’s area, focusing on early literacy skills.  Whether one is in the boat, looking at the world map made from coins, or reading about our place in the universe, it is an area of discovery and fun.  The Activity Room is big and bright and open with floor to ceiling windows on one side.  The library hosts a storytime 3 times on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, typically reaching 500-600 people per month.  And if that is not enough, there is also a smaller storytime room which is primarily used for Baby and Me and Lapsit programs.  Children don’t just come to the library, the library goes to them.  Library staff usually make 6-7 school class visits per week, and see about 15,000 children per year. 

 

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After visiting the main library, Jim, Andy, and Nancy took us to the Madison Branch, a well loved and well used facility. The Branch Librarian, Judy Grzybowski gave us a tour.  The branch includes a smaller version of the Lakewood Librarium.  The branch is especially used by new immigrants to the community.