The Library reopens its doors to visitors and resumes computer usage and other services

Missed your neighborhood branch of Cleveland Public Library? Well, the wait is over. The Library’s downtown locations and 27 neighborhood branches will welcome visitors inside starting Monday, August 24. Reopening date is subject to change due to the pandemic.

“We can’t wait to see our patrons inside our buildings again. It’s been a long journey and a lot of planning to get to this moment,” said Felton Thomas, Jr., Executive Director and CEO of Cleveland Public Library. “COVID-19 will forever change the Library experience.  However, our top-notch customer service and Library rich programming to educate and enrich our community will remain the same.”

When our facilities reopen, visitors will notice new social distancing guidelines and Library staff in personal protective equipment. Visitors are required to wear face coverings for the safety of staff and the public. The Library will make disposable masks available to patrons. Other changes include plexiglass on the lending desks, increased cleaning of facilities, and returned materials placed under quarantine for 96 hours to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Cleveland Public Library’s hours of operation are also changing. There will be special hours for immunocompromised patrons.

AVAILABILITY	HOURS OF OPERATION
Monday – Saturday	10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Immunocompromised Individuals	10 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Cleveland Public Library will monitor visitor capacity and limit visits to one-hour to allow everyone who wants to visit the Library to access our materials and resources safely.

Computers will be available again. The Library has reconfigured computer rooms and areas for social distancing. Computer usage will be limited to one hour to allow for cleaning and more people to access the internet. Patrons are encouraged to reserve a time slot on cpl.org and will be asked to help keep the Library clean by wiping down the area after use. All meeting rooms will remain closed to reservations.

“We listened to our patrons. Our goal has always been to provide what they want and need.”

Harriette Parks, Director of Public Services

“We listened to our patrons. Our goal has always been to provide what they want and need,” said Harriette Parks, Director of Public Services at Cleveland Public Library. “After countless internal planning meetings, reviewing guidance from state and local officials, consulting other Library systems, and conferring with local experts like MetroHealth, the Library has developed a plan to provide a safe environment for our staff and patrons while maintaining a level of service that our community has grown accustomed to from us.”

Cleveland Public Library will continue to offer walk-up and drive-up service, as well as print, fax, and copy services. Patrons can now receive 10 free copies and can text their local branch when they arrive.

Grab and go meals are still available at all Cleveland Public Library locations. Meals will be provided daily to children age 18 and under. Families can call their closest Library branch for meal pickup times.

The Library will provide virtual programs until further notice. Our offerings include job and legal assistance, health classes, online storytime, and starting this Fall, a year-round program, and resources to help our littlest Clevelanders get ready for kindergarten. No internet? No problem! Dial-a-Story is coming this Fall. It allows families to call in to a special phone number to listen to several children’s classics such as Pinocchio and Alice in Wonderland. 

For program information and registration, visit cpl.org.