The Lee Road branch of the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library was renovated in 2005-2006, and the Noble branch in 2011. Now it’s time for the University Heights branch: the building, its programs, and its services.
The University Heights branch (UH) is the second most heavily used branch in the Heights Libraries system, after the main branch on Lee Road. Last year, the 60-year-old UH branch circulated 187,000 items and welcomed 184,500 visitors. As for programs and services, the UH branch is the home of the city of University Heights Senior Network programs, the Senior Spot and the Teen Spot. It hosts an international movie festival and babysitting clinics. Hundreds of children attend story times and programs each year, and University Heights staff visit the CH-UH Schools, Purvis Park, Whole Foods and John Carroll University throughout the year.
“All that traffic and all those services and programs have taken a toll on this small branch,” says Heights Libraries Director Nancy Levin, “and it is starting to show wear and tear.”
Levin thinks it’s time for an upgrade, and she wants to hear from the community about what that upgrade should include. “We’ll be looking to members of our community to share their ideas for the renovation of the branch,” says Levin. “That’s why we’re holding five community visioning sessions throughout University Heights in January and February. This is a chance for our customers to let us know what they would like to see at the University Heights branch.”
There will also be online and paper surveys for those who cannot make it to one of the sessions.
Goals for a potential remodel include better access for library visitors of all ages, more efficient and sustainable energy updates, and a comfortable environment with enduring aesthetics.
The UH Visioning Sessions will take place at the following places and times:
- Thurs., Jan. 16, 7 p.m. at the University Heights Branch, 13866 Cedar Road, University Heights. Families welcome – activities for kids K-5 while parents attend.
- Tues., Jan. 21, 7 p.m. at Gearity Elementary School, 2323 Wrenford Road, University Heights
- Wed., Jan. 29, 2 p.m. at Whole Foods Market at Cedar Center, 13998 Cedar Road, University Heights
- Tues., Feb. 4, 7 p.m. at the Donahue Auditorium at John Carroll University’s Dolan Science Center, 20700 North Park Boulevard, University Heights
- Thurs., Feb. 13, 2 p.m. at Seniors Happenings at the University Heights Branch, 13866 Cedar Road, University Heights
All are open to the public, and no registration is required.
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