Exterior front entrance of Lorain Campus from Lorain Avenue.

Lorain

8216 Lorain Ave, Cleveland 216-623-7011 Lorain.Branch@cpl-redesign.org

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.

maker static machine

3D Printing

Print layers of materials to create anything from jewelry and puzzle pieces to architectural models and cookie cutters!

Upcoming Events

All events
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0-3 Read to Me: Playdate

Jan 18, 11:00 AM – 12:15 PM | Lorain

0-3 Read to Me: Playdate

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Preschool Storytime (ages 3 – 5)

– | Lorain

Story times for preschoolers ages 3 to 5 include stories, songs, activities, and rhymes specially designed to support reading readiness and foster the social and emotional skills that kids need to succeed as they enter Kindergarten.

Go to: Preschool Storytime (ages 3 – 5)

Readers Choice Book Club

– | Lorain

Reader's Choice book club is for readers who love to explore diferent genres and socialize with others! We will engage in friendly discussions, meet new friends, and socially connect with others. 

Go to: Readers Choice Book Club

0 – 3 Read to Me : Playdate

– | Lorain

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! These programs are made possible by a generous grant from The Bruening Foundation. 

Go to: 0 – 3 Read to Me : Playdate

Write Now! Fiction Writing Workshops with Literary Cleveland

– | Lorain

Do you dream of writing fiction but don't know how to get started? Do you want to hone your craft and improve your skills? Do you need to reignite your creative spark? Are you looking for a supportive community of like-minded writers along with guidance from an experienced instructor? These FREE workshops offered by Literary Cleveland are for you and for anyone interested in writing fiction…any genre, any length, and any level of experience (or none!)

Go to: Write Now! Fiction Writing Workshops with Literary Cleveland

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.

New At The Library

The latest news and updates from the Library

November 19, 2024 Regular Meeting of Library Board of Trustees

Please be aware that all meetings of the Board of Library Trustees are open to in-person attendance by the public.…

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Information that may be helpful for your visit to Cleveland Public Library. Library policies are approved by the Board of Library Trustees.

Information that may be helpful for your visit to Cleveland Public Library. Library policies are approved by the Board of…

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Reading Recommendations

Cleveland’s Hottest Titles

Cleveland's hottest ebooks and audiobooks on OverDrive.

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Main Library

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.

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Ohio City, William Dolwick, 1934

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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