Lorain
Neighborhoods Served: Cudell, Detroit Shoreway
Bus Routes: 22,26
Location Manager: Tamara Steward
Location Services
Check out our branch services.
Dedicated Parking
Dedicated, free parking is available at this library location.
Tech Center
Dream & Do. Explore the latest technology in our hands-on learning labs. Each location has various equipment and technology to explore.
Book Locker
Grab & Go! Library card holders can use fully automatic lockers to pick up books and other materials during business hours.
3D Printing
Print layers of materials to create anything from jewelry and puzzle pieces to architectural models and cookie cutters!
Nov 23, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM | Lorain
0 to 3: Read to Me Playdate
Building your child’s brain is as simple as reading, singing, playing and talking! Join us as we read engaging books and sing lively songs with plenty of time for playing and talking! For children ages 0 to 3 (36 months) and a caring adult. Siblings welcome. Giveaways! Questions? Call 216-623-7004. These programs are made possible by a generous grant from The Bruening Foundation. To browse a complete listing of upcoming 0 to 3: Read to Me programs at cpl.org/kids-teens/kindergarten-readiness/0-to-3-read-to-me/
About Lorain
Lorain Branch is located just north of I-90 near the Lorain Avenue exit. The branch offers free wifi and public computers with Internet access. Printing, copying, scanning, and faxing services are available for a fee. As a “mini TechCentral,” the Lorain Branch houses a 3D printer, a SmartBoard, which are available upon request. A meeting room that seats up to 44 may be reserved in advance; call or visit the branch for details.
History & Architecture
The branch was renovated and reopened in June 2023.
As the ninth branch in the Cleveland Public Library system and one of many Cleveland Public Library branches built with funds from Andrew Carnegie, this Detroit-Shoreway neighborhood branch opened in 1912. At the time, the Library’s Annual Report described the building as “Greek-inspired” and constructed of buff brick with stone trimmings. The library is 8,400 square feet.
Travel, Parking & Accessibility
Parking Information
A free parking lot is located behind the building off W. 83rd Street.
Special Features
- The Lorain Branch features a WPA mural titled Ohio City, painted by William Dolwick in 1934. Dolwick was a resident of the neighborhood and a Lorain Branch patron. The mural depicts a view of Ohio City in 1834, as viewed from Scranton Heights. It was removed as part of the 1985 renovation, restored by the Intermuseum Conservation Association, and reinstalled in 2002.
- Lorain Branch frequently hosts MakerLabs and classes to allow patrons to explore and learn how to use the special equipment.
- Lorain offers separate adult, young adult (YA), and children’s collections of Spanish materials.
- This branch has a large community garden in the rear of the building.
- Branch partners include the Detroit Shoreway Community Development Corporation, West Side Community House, Willard Head Start, H. Barbara Booker Elementary School, Almira Elementary School, Halle School Marion C. Seltzer Elementary School, Stockyard elementary and middle schools, and several child care centers.
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