Top 10 Things to See at Main Library
Explore the must-see highlights of Cleveland Public Library's Main Library, where history, art, and knowledge come alive.
From architectural marvels to rare collections, discover the top 10 attractions that make Main Library a treasure trove for every visitor.
Special Collections
Main Library, 3rd Floor
Peruse unique collections including Chess and Checkers, Miniature Books, Folklore, the Schweinfurth Collection, and the Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards. Special Collections is the home to the largest collection of chess literature in the world!
Superman Exhibit
Main Library, 2nd Floor
Glide through Superman comics, posters, toys, packaging, photographs and more, some dating back to 1939! This collection was donated to the Library in 2016 by Mike Curtis, comic aficionado and writer for the Dick Tracy comic strip. The exhibit reveals new items every six months.
International Languages
Main Library, 4th Floor
Delight in browsing through a collection of books and materials in forty-five languages.
Cleveland Digital Public Library
Main Library, 3rd Floor
The Cleveland Digital Public Library helps patrons digitize their collections to keep and share the history of Cleveland, Northeast Ohio, and beyond.
Brett Memorial Hall – Exhibit Space
Main Library, 1st Floor
Stroll through the Botticino marble grand stair lobby to enter the grandest space within the Library. Named after William Howard Brett, third Director of Cleveland Public Library (1884-1918), Brett Memorial Hall’s marble ceiling, Travertine marble floor, and murals make it a perfect space for honoring today’s artists and storytellers.
Eastman Reading Garden
Located between Main Building and Louis Stokes Wing
The Eastman Reading Garden, named after former Library Director Linda Anne Eastman (1918-1938), features seasonal art exhibits along with “Reading a Garden” by artist Maya Lin, designer of Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and poet Tan Lin as well as whimsical figures on the “Garden Gates” by artist Tom Otterness.
City Views
Louis Stokes Wing 10th Floor
Ride the Louis Stokes Wing elevator up to the 10th Floor lobby for a breathtaking view of the city. Enjoy views of Public Square, Cleveland Browns Stadium, and the Fountain of Eternal Life, sculpted by Marshall Fredericks (1908-1998).
Map Collection
Louis Stokes Wing 6th Floor
Beginning with a donation of 122 maps by Library Trustee John G. White in 1884, the collection has grown to over 161,000 maps including charts, relief maps, atlases, and globes.
Photograph Collection
Louis Stokes Wing 4th Floor
1.3 million photographs, primarily in black and white, spanning the 1850’s through the 1980’s.
TechCentral
Louis Stokes Wing Lower Level
Dream and do in this creative MakerSpace and innovative learning environment! Bring ideas to life with services like 3D printing and scanning, vinyl and laser fabrication, plus audio and video production. Ask a staff member about computer and technology training.