WELCOME BACK! CLEVELAND PUBLIC LIBRARY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kelly Woodard
Cleveland Public Library
216-902-3696, kelly.woodard@cpl.org
WELCOME BACK! CLEVELAND PUBLIC LIBRARY REOPENS TO THE PUBLIC
The Library releases plan to reopen in phases with limited service
MAY 21, 2020 (CLEVELAND, OH) – Cleveland Public Library will soon resume limited service to the public.
“We’d like to thank our patrons for their patience during this unprecedented time. We miss you and can’t wait to see you back at Cleveland Public Library,” said Felton Thomas, Jr., Executive Director and CEO of Cleveland Public Library.
The Library’s reopening will be done in phases. On Wednesday, May 27, staff at the Ohio Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled (OLBPD), which is operated by Cleveland Public Library, will be available to answer phone calls from patrons. Mail circulation for OLBPD will also resume.
On Monday, June 1, phone lines will be back open at all Library locations. Library staff will be available to take calls about holds, reference questions, and general Library information. Patrons can sign up for virtual programming and services. Patrons can return borrowed materials to the book drops. Library hours will temporarily change until further notice.
HOURS OF OPERATION
Monday – Thursday
10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Friday
2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday
CLOSED
On Monday, June 8, curbside and walk-up service will begin at Main Library, the Louis Stokes Wing, and five neighborhood branches:
CURBSIDE LOCATIONS
Main Library, Drive-Up Window Only
Martin Luther King, Jr. Branch
Louis Stokes Wing, Walk-Up Service Only
All other Library branches remain closed with reference service available by phone. Here’s a step-by-step guide to curbside service at Cleveland Public Library:
STEP 1: Reserve items online at cpl.org or by phone with your Library card handy. Don’t know exactly what you want? Call us and we can help.
STEP 2: Call ahead to schedule a time to pick up materials.
STEP 3: How do you plan to pick up your materials: Curbside or Walk-Up Service?
FOR CURBSIDE PICK-UP:
- Park your car in a designated spot
- Call the Library location to notify staff of your arrival
- Open your trunk or cargo area so materials can be placed inside
- Return to your car and be prepared to show your library card or state ID
FOR WALK-UP SERVICE:
- Call the Library upon arrival.
- Be prepared to show your Library card or photo ID.
- Your materials will be placed on a pick-up table.
Step 4: Enjoy your materials!
All items will be placed in plastic Library bags for your safety.
Step 5: Don’t forget to return all items to the book drop.
Service at the drive-up window at Main Library will remain the same. The Eastman Reading Garden will be open with social distancing guidelines.
“We’ve spent two months planning our return and discussing best practices for maintaining a safe environment,” Thomas Jr. remarks. “Our staff is undergoing COVID-19 training to better serve our community and taking a phased approach to eventually welcoming patrons back into our locations.”
When the Library does begin to welcome patrons in its locations, patrons will notice new social distancing guidelines and Library staff in personal protective equipment. Patrons should wear masks for their safety. Based on guidance from the state and health authorities, Cleveland Public Library adapted its procedures for cleaning and sanitizing its facilities and handling materials. Returned materials will now be placed under quarantine for 72 hours to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
“COVID-19 might forever change the Library experience, but it will never destroy the spirit of discovery and learning at Cleveland Public Library. Whether you are virtual or curbside, we encourage you to experience all the People’s University has to offer,” adds Thomas, Jr.
Cleveland Public Library is offering virtual programs and services including tutoring, career and legal assistance and health classes. This year’s summer reading program, Summer Lit League, kicks off on June 1 to help children strengthen their literacy skills. For program information and registration, visit here.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for, just ASK CPL to live chat with a Librarian. Look for the “ASK CPL” chat bubble on the homepage, cpl.org.
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About Cleveland Public Library
Founded in 1869, Cleveland Public Library serves the residents of Cleveland through its network of 27 neighborhood branches, the Main Library downtown, Public Administration Library at City Hall, homebound delivery services, and mobile services to daycare and senior centers. From a collection of 10.5 million items, the Library lends over 5 million items a year to its 330,000 registered borrowers and to 43 other CLEVNET-member libraries in 12 counties across Northeast Ohio. Cleveland Public Library is home to the Ohio Center for the Book and the Ohio Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled, serving all 88 counties in the state of Ohio. For more information, visit www.cpl.org.
Caroline Peak
Caroline J. Peak, known as “Ms. Peak” to many, is a resident of the Collinwood Community for 30 plus years serving as a committed community leader, engager, and volunteer. Ms. Peak is very passionate about improving the quality of life for citizens by giving back to her community. Ms. Peak serves as the Public Service Manager of the Collinwood Branch of Cleveland Public Library and is a Certified Librarian having earned a Master’s Degree from Kent State University. Ms. Peak also served as a True2U Mentor for 8th graders at Memorial School among her activities and engagement in neighborhood block associations, advisory committees, and civic engagement. She has participated in leadership programs, Neighborhood Leadership Institute and Neighborhood Leader Institute and Management Certification at Cleveland Public Library to support her service as an Executive Committee member of CHN Housing Partners, organizations that are devoted to the mission of improving the quality of life in neighborhoods. She was recently selected to serve on the Bond Accountability Commission as Secretary of the Cleveland Municipal School District and a member of the Health Impact Committee for United Way and a steering member of HIP--Cuyahoga --Health Improvement Partnership to help build healthy communities. She is the 2018 recipient of Resident of the Year for Ward 8-District 5 for the City of Cleveland.