Hough Branch — Cleveland Public Library
🏢 Cleveland Public Library · Cleveland, Ohio
Hough Branch — Cleveland Public Library
Rooted in the Hough neighborhood since 1907 — when its first building drew design inspiration from Christopher Wren's Orangery at Kensington Palace — the Hough Branch today occupies a bold 2022 campus designed by Moody Nolan, a majority Black-owned Ohio firm. The Sankofa bird of West African tradition, which looks back while moving forward, guided the architectural vision: a flexible, light-filled space with an amphitheater, public art, and the Housing Court kiosk that makes justice more accessible.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 10am–6pm |
| Tuesday | 10am–6pm |
| Wednesday | 10am–6pm |
| Thursday | 10am–6pm |
| Friday | 10am–6pm |
| Saturday | 10am–6pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 6530 Lexington Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44103
Phone: (216) 623-6997
Website: cpl.org
Plus Code: 86HWG964+73 (Cleveland, OH)
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📖 About Hough Branch — Cleveland Public Library
The Hough Branch of the Cleveland Public Library opened its first location in 1907, inspired by Christopher Wren's Orangery at Kensington Palace, with arched entrances and decorative brickwork that referenced the Romanesque and Gothic Revival architecture of the surrounding Hough neighborhood. After reopening in 1966 as 'Treasure House' following renovation, a second building was constructed in 1984 — a distinctive 11,800-square-foot cluster of three octagons whose pointed-hat rooflines and clerestory windows flooded the interior with natural light. In 2022, the branch entered a new era with a newly reimagined campus designed by Moody Nolan, a majority Black-owned, Ohio-based architecture firm. The design drew its inspiration from the mythical Sankofa bird of West African tradition — a symbol that looks back while moving forward — honoring Hough's rich history while preparing for the future. The campus features a highly flexible interior with moveable workstations, a large rear 'garage' door that opens for major events, floor-to-ceiling conference room windows, an improved children's area, a 24-hour vestibule with book lockers, EV charging stations, and a striking outdoor amphitheater. The branch serves the Hough and Midtown neighborhoods, hosts three schools in its immediate service area, and partners with the Greater Cleveland Food Bank for the Kids Cafe after-school lunch program. A Cleveland Housing Court kiosk enables residents to handle Housing Court hearings without traveling downtown.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Iconic 2022 campus by Moody Nolan — a majority Black-owned Ohio firm — inspired by the Sankofa bird symbolizing memory and progress
- Branch history dates to 1907, when the first building took cues from Christopher Wren's Orangery at Kensington Palace
- Outdoor amphitheater and public art installation 'What Would Happen If This Sentence Never Ended?' on the campus
- Cleveland Housing Court kiosk on-site — residents can attend Housing Court hearings without traveling downtown
- Kids Cafe partnership with Greater Cleveland Food Bank provides free bagged lunches for children during the school year
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Hough Branch cardholders tap into Ohio's free statewide digital library network:
📚 Services
- Free Wi-Fi and public computers with internet access
- Printing, copying, scanning, and faxing (fee applies)
- Book Locker (24-hour access for holds pickup)
- Meeting rooms and after-hours event space
- Neighborhood Housing Court kiosk (walk-in basis, 10am start)
- Kids Cafe — free bagged lunches for children during school year (partnership with Greater Cleveland Food Bank)
- America Reads tutors during the school year
- Dedicated free on-site parking with EV charging station
- Family Space and amphitheater for community events
🎸 Programs
- Saturday Stories — children's storytimes with songs and activities
- Fun Fridays — rotating STEAM and arts activities for youth
- Family Game Day
- 'At the Table' author discussion series
- Adult technology literacy (Facebook, social media)
- Summer reading program
- Community arts programs and exhibits
📍 Nearby Libraries in Cleveland
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What was the architectural inspiration behind the 2022 Hough campus?
The 2022 Hough campus was designed by Moody Nolan, a majority Black-owned, Ohio-based architecture firm. The design concept was inspired by the Sankofa bird — a symbol from West African tradition of a bird that looks backward while moving forward. This metaphor guided the design to incorporate Hough's rich neighborhood history while creating flexible, future-oriented community space with a garage door that opens for large events, floor-to-ceiling windows, an amphitheater, and moveable workstations.
What is the history of the Hough Branch before the 2022 building?
The Hough Branch first opened in 1907 in a building inspired by Christopher Wren's Orangery at Kensington Palace, featuring arched entrances and decorative brickwork. After reopening as 'Treasure House' in 1966 following renovation, a second building was constructed in 1984 — a cluster of three octagons with pointed-hat rooflines and clerestory windows admitting natural light into the 11,800-square-foot space. The 2022 campus is the branch's third home.
What is the Housing Court kiosk at Hough Branch?
In partnership with the Cleveland Housing Court, the Hough Branch offers a neighborhood Housing Court kiosk that allows Cleveland residents to attend Housing Court hearings without traveling downtown. The kiosk is available on a walk-in basis starting at 10:00 a.m., making it especially valuable for Hough and Midtown residents with pending Housing Court matters.
Is League Park near the Hough Branch?
Yes. League Park — the original ballpark of the Cleveland Guardians (then Cleveland Indians) — is located nearby in the Hough neighborhood. Built in 1891 and restored as a historic site and community space, it is one of several notable neighborhood landmarks close to the branch.
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