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CCPL Offers Fine Free Week
The Cuyahoga County Public Library will clear all overdue fines for materials returned December 9 through December 15, 2001. This offer includes overdue fines on all print and audio-visual items.
Global Issues Resources Center Anniversary Event
The Global Issues Resource Center will celebrate its 15th Anniversary Sunday, December 2, 2001, from 5 - 8p.m. The opening reception will feature an exclusive demonstration of the Center's new Earth Balloon, a 22-foot highly detailed model of the earth, and an exhibit of antique globes. Music will be provided by the drumming group, BATTU, followed by an awards presentation and supper.
The Global Issues Resource Center is located on the eastern campus of Cuyahoga Community College. For more information and to RSVP, call the Center at 216.987.2224.
Cleveland Heights-University Heights Enjoys Resounding Win
Despite the slumping economy, a $9.5 million Bond Issue for the Cleveland-Heights, University Heights Public Library met with an overwhelming 72% voter approval on November 6.
The 25-year Bond Issue will finance a total renovation and expansion of the Main Library and incorporate the recently purchased YMCA building across the street to form a community cultural arts campus. The total cost of the project is $11 million, but the remainder will be made up through a philanthropic fundraising campaign.
Last May, the Board of Library Trustees purchased the vacant former Heights YMCA across the street from the Main Library. The library held a series of town Meetings and focus groups to determine a wish list of possible uses from the community. Residents clearly preferred after school programming for children and that will be the library's primary focus.
The Main Library will see a complete renovation. "Virtually no space in the present building will go untouched," Director Steve Wood said. The renovated building will include a larger Teen Center, a result of a focus group of teens. They wanted an attractive space with comfortable seating, food, computer access and a place for doing homework.
The library has signed an operating agreement with Dobama Theatre, a nonprofit 40-year-old successful community theater, to take over the south wing of the former Y for their theater space. The theater group will be responsible for all costs to make the space into a theater and their utility expenses will be separately metered. In addition to their rent, the theater will partner with the library staff to offer after school programs.
In exchange for studio space in the north wing of the former Y, the Heights Arts Collaborative, also a nonprofit organization, will run the library's public art gallery, featuring local artists, and partner with the library staff to offer after school programs in the arts.
Each group will be allowed to offer for-fee classes to the public, but all after school children's programs will be free.
The library's Administrative Office, the Staff Development office, a large public Computer Center, an Activity Center for the arts programs, and a gift and coffee shop will occupy much of the rest of the building.
The two buildings will be linked by a walkway that will span the heavily-trafficked Lee Road to insure safe pedestrian passage from one building to the other. This bright and airy walkway will be wide enough to hold programs and display library materials. Both buildings will have fully ADA-compliant elevators for library customers and theatergoers.
Cleveland Public Library unveils The People's University on Wheels
Cleveland Public Library has marked a return to offering its mobile library services with the new People's University on Wheels, providing an opportunity for expanded outreach to Cleveland's underserved communities and non-traditional library users. Service started November 26 and will follow a predetermined schedule that can change to accommodate community needs.
The return of mobile library services started with a vision by CPL Director Andrew Venable, Jr. to again provide library materials and services to the underserved areas in Cleveland. Under the administration of CPL's Branches and Outreach Services, the unit is a 32-foot, full service mini-branch fully automated and providing access to the library's collection. The unit also contains a copier and computers with a variety of software packages. Mobile library service to shut-ins and people with limited mobility is provided with support from the Fred W. and Henryett Slocum Judd Fund administered by the Cleveland Foundation. The unit features a wheelchair lift and adaptive technology that will ensure access for all.
CPL's mobile library service began part-time in 1926 as a converted library delivery truck known as The Book Caravan. In 1949, a modern, year-round bookmobile began, and the service was renamed The Traveling Book Service. In 1986, CPL discontinued its mobile services due to an aging fleet and reduced revenues.
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