Sterling

About Sterling Branch

Sterling Branch is conveniently located in the vibrant Central neighborhood near the St. Vincent Charity Medical Center and Asia Plaza. Many patrons who work near this area pick up their reserves at this location. As a result, Sterling serves a diverse population of business professionals, local artists, Asian immigrants, and children, and its collection reflects this diverse range of patrons.

History & Architecture

When Sterling opened in 1913, the Cleveland Public Library Annual Report described the branch’s architecture as a modification of the Dutch style. The building is red brick with stone trimmings, and it features a flat front with decorative brickwork that gives the 6,500-square-foot building a contrast of light and shade. The front entrance has a decorative door surround, the windows are outlined and paneled in brick, and the diaperwork pattern is repeated in panels of brick on all sides.

The building was designed to be as fireproof as possible with concrete walls, floors, and stairways. Two club rooms were located on the second floor. A large club room that seated 150 people was designated for committee or neighborhood meetings and for the children’s story hour. This branch received updates in 1985.