Fine Arts

Main Library
Main Building
3rd Floor
325 Superior Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44114
216.623.2848
FineArts@cpl.org
Manager: Michael Dalby

About the Department

The Fine Arts collection of the Cleveland Public Library is geared to the needs and interests of a culturally oriented city with a world-renowned symphony orchestra, a prestigious art museum, numerous professional and amateur artists, musicians, artisans and craftsmen, many art-study groups and musical societies, and several art and music schools. The holdings cover a wide spectrum of subjects and treatments, from how-to-do-it books to scholarly studies and classic works.

The Collection

Sheet Music

More than 20,000 titles of songs.

Music Education

Music theory, instruction, music history, composition, techniques, music education, information about the music industry.

Antiques and Collectibles

To determine whether you have an antique or collectible, the Fine Arts Department has many price guides for items such as furniture, ceramics, glass, jewelry, clocks, and toys.

Architecture

General and professional books, career materials, histories, architect monographs, house plans, treatises on architectural styles and building types, and popular illustrated books. Fine Arts is the beneficiary of the Anna M. Schweinfurth Trust, an architectural trust fund providing revenues for developing a strong 20th century architectural collection.

Art

Dictionaries, biographical listings, international art encyclopedias, monographs, catalogues raisonnes for important artists, museum catalogs and handbooks, and annual indexes. Numerous instructional manuals on drawing, painting, and other art techniques. The generous Lockwood Thompson bequest collects research materials that focus on twentieth century modern art, graphic design, and contemporary artists to date.

Arts Education

Arts education materials available to assist teachers with curriculum planning and activities for their students.