South Branch — Cleveland Public Library
🏢 Cleveland Public Library · Cleveland, Ohio
South Branch — Cleveland Public Library
South Branch is the only Carnegie library in the Cleveland system built entirely of rough-hewn gray limestone — an English Gothic landmark designed by Henry Whitfield of Whitfield & King and opened June 12, 1911, the eighth Carnegie branch in Cleveland. After a five-year closure for a $4.5 million restoration, it reopened December 1, 2018, with its original skylight, fireplace, historic bookcases and stone facade fully intact alongside a new sound studio and ADA-compliant entrance. It serves the Tremont and Clark-Fulton neighborhoods on Cleveland's west side.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 10am–7pm |
| Tuesday | 10am–7pm |
| Wednesday | 10am–6pm |
| Thursday | 10am–7pm |
| Friday | 10am–6pm |
| Saturday | 10am–6pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 3096 Scranton Road, Cleveland, OH 44113
Phone: (216) 623-7060
Website: cpl.org
Plus Code: 86HWF8C3+34 (Cleveland, OH)
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📖 About South Branch — Cleveland Public Library
South Branch at 3096 Scranton Road in the Tremont neighborhood opened on June 12, 1911, as the eighth Carnegie branch library built in Cleveland. It was the first Cleveland Carnegie library constructed entirely of stone rather than brick — rough-hewn gray limestone with castle-like crenellations along the roof parapet and an octagonal skylight over the central court. Architect Henry Whitfield of Whitfield & King cited Hoghton Tower in Lancashire, England, as his design inspiration; the interior features Tudor-style woodwork and Medieval Decoratives fireplace tiles from Moravian Pottery & Tile Works in Pennsylvania. Total construction cost was $71,800. The community had been served by a rented library space at Clark and Joseph streets since 1897. Interstate construction in the 1960s (I-71 and I-90/490) reduced the surrounding neighborhood significantly and the branch closed in 2013 due to structural and mechanical failures. A $4.5 million restoration preserved all original architectural elements — the skylight, fireplace, wooden shelving and stone facade — while adding a sound studio, computer station at the historic Carnegie desk, quiet study rooms and a new ADA entrance. The branch reopened on December 1, 2018, attracting nearly 1,000 visitors for the celebration, and today serves both the Tremont and Clark-Fulton neighborhoods.
⭐ What makes this library special
- First CPL Carnegie branch built entirely of stone — rough-hewn gray limestone with crenellated parapet, inspired by Hoghton Tower in Lancashire, England
- Opened June 12, 1911; Moravian Pottery & Tile Works fireplace tiles and original octagonal skylight preserved in the 2018 restoration
- $4.5 million restoration reopened December 1, 2018, after a five-year closure — original woodwork, historic bookcases and stone facade intact
- New 21st-century amenities added: sound studio, computer bar, quiet study rooms and ADA-compliant entrance
- Serves the Tremont and Clark-Fulton neighborhoods on Cleveland's west side; parking at Scranton Road Bible Church across the street
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
South Branch cardholders access CPL's full digital collection free:
📚 Services
- Book, DVD and audiobook circulation
- Sound studio available to community members
- Public computers and free Wi-Fi
- Printing, copying and scanning
- Quiet study rooms
- Large multipurpose meeting room (available after hours)
- Interlibrary loan through CLEVNET (44+ libraries)
- Children's and teen services
🎸 Programs
- Children's storytimes and family programs
- Teen activities and homework help
- Summer reading challenge
- Adult programs and community events
- Community partnerships with Tremont and Clark-Fulton neighborhood organizations
📍 Nearby CPL Branches in Cleveland
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What makes South Branch architecturally unique among Cleveland's Carnegie libraries?
South Branch is the only Carnegie library in Cleveland built entirely of rough-hewn gray limestone rather than brick, giving it a distinctly castle-like appearance with crenellations along the roof parapet. Architect Henry Whitfield cited Hoghton Tower in Lancashire, England, as his inspiration. The interior features Tudor-style woodwork and Medieval Decoratives fireplace tiles from Moravian Pottery & Tile Works in Pennsylvania, along with an octagonal skylight that illuminates the central reading court — all preserved in the 2018 restoration.
Why was South Branch closed for five years, and when did it reopen?
The branch closed in 2013 due to structural and mechanical failures and temporarily relocated to Clark Avenue. A $4.5 million restoration of the original 1911 building preserved all historic elements — the skylight, fireplace, original wooden shelving and stone facade — while adding modern amenities including a sound studio, quiet study rooms, a computer bar at the historic Carnegie desk and a new ADA-compliant entrance. The restored branch reopened on December 1, 2018, with nearly 1,000 visitors attending the celebration.
What neighborhoods does South Branch serve, and where is parking?
South Branch at 3096 Scranton Road serves the Tremont and Clark-Fulton neighborhoods on Cleveland's west side, about nine minutes from downtown. Street parking is limited, but the library's website and signage direct visitors to park at the Scranton Road Bible Church, a red brick church across the street.
Does South Branch have a sound studio, and who can use it?
Yes — a sound studio was added during the 2018 renovation as one of the branch's new 21st-century amenities alongside quiet study rooms and a computer station at the historic Carnegie desk. Community members can use the studio; contact the branch at (216) 623-7060 or check the CPL website for availability and any booking requirements.
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