The Interior Of This Stunning Cleveland Library Is Breathtakingly Exquisite
By Nikki Rhoades|Published May 10, 2019
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Nikki Rhoades
Author
Nikki is a lifelong Ohioan with a love for literature. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Akron and has enjoyed publishing her written work since 2007. She has a love of travel and does so frequently, though she believes that home is where the heart is — she continues to work in and around Cleveland as a digital content specialist to this day, working on everything from commercial scripts and social media posts to grassroots marketing initiatives.
With the accessibility provided by technology, books may seem to be an outdated invention. The truth, however, is that many Americans still prefer the feel, smell, and charm offered by books. Many sources have even ventured to purport that Millennials are reading with a fervor that other generations simply can’t compete with. Fortunately for us, books and the online world have learned to peacefully coexist. The best place to pick up a book in Cleveland is at the Cleveland Public Library, an institution whose history is a true page-turner.
Prepare to step inside an institution that has catered to locals for 150 years.
The Cleveland Public Library is an icon in Downtown Cleveland. Its founding dates back to 1869, and the library purportedly had around 5,800 books at the time. Today, there are around 11 million books in the library's collection.
Though the library started out on the third floor of the Northup and Harrington building, it now spans two buildings at 325 and 525 Superior Avenue.
Construction began on the first building in 1923 and concluded in 1925. The second building, the Louis Stokes Wing, was dedicated in 1997 and was completed at a cost of $65 million. Both buildings are testaments to the richness of local culture, and both are breathtaking additions to the Cleveland skyline.
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The classical features of the old wing and the shining Georgia marble of the new wing are breathtaking, enchanting both bookworms and everyday sightseers.
From the urban oasis that is the library's Eastman Reading Garden to the treasures of the Fine Arts and Special Collections reading room, there's much to see across the campus of this lovely library.
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You may notice some unusual features outside the library...
Whimsical bronze statues add an atmosphere reminiscent of old-fashioned cartoons to the landscape, and these petite patrons are just one of many playful features hiding at the library. You can find these creations (which, by the way, were dreamed up by artist Tom Otterness) in the Eastman Reading Garden.
The Federal Art Project was one of many New Deal programs that employed dedicated workers amidst an economic crisis. In fact, this library received more funding than anywhere else in the Cleveland area, allowing it to include three incredible murals. The Sommer Mural, pictured here, is one of the more famous New Deal projects in the library.
On certain days, you'll encounter intriguing exhibits and classes.
Mere steps from the stunning Cleveland Public Library is the Fountain of Eternal Life, an intriguing work of art that has graced the Cleveland Mall area since 1964. This surprising stretch of grassy land is a refreshing find in busy Downtown Cleveland, and it offers a great place to get some fresh air when the urban jungle starts to feel overwhelming.
Everyone knows that the library is a great source of discovery, but you'll be amazed by what you uncover in Cleveland's library.
Pictured here is the Terrestrial Globe, a stunning art glass globe crafted in 1925. It is based on a famous map by Leonardo da Vinci, and it's just one of several incredible finds awaiting visitors. The subtle details etched in the building's architecture doubtlessly tell a story, and it is one that is well worth learning.
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Our library offers a glimpse into Cleveland's past... and its future.
