Lakewood Public Library first opened its doors on May 19, 1916 with only 10,000 books to offer the burgeoning streetcar community that built it. But as the city grew, so did the Library, adding thousands of volumes of science, art, history, law and literature every year to serve the needs of the knowledge seekers who flocked to Lakewood from all over the region. A branch library on Madison Avenue was established in 1924 in order to serve the city’s growing immigrant population and to put these resources within walking distance of every Lakewoodite. As the city grew, the Library grew with it. A close look at Main Library today reveals that the original architecture has long since given way, unable to contain the explosive ambitions of a vibrant community. The little Carnegie Library on Detroit, founded by early Lakewood residents as an investment in the future, was the seed of our success.
That tradition of excellence continues to this day as Lakewood Public Library is consistently ranked among the best libraries in the nation, competing with large institutions far outside its weight class, while proudly remaining a local library. With a collection founded on essential knowledge and shaped by the interests of our robust population, a walk through the stacks reveals a grand Lakewood conversation taking place between generations, backgrounds and worldviews. The works of local authors, artists, scholars, historians, filmmakers and musicians line the shelves. A vast collection of materials for children and teens demonstrates our commitment to the encouragement of young people in all their intellectual endeavors. Access to online practice tests, rooms full of computers and pioneering work in the distribution of eBooks and other digital materials hint at the future to come and our commitment to being a part of it.
The Library, however, is more than just a collection of materials. Lakewood Public Library has earned its place in the community through the services it offers. A childhood filled with Library programs can take a child from pre-literacy story time to after school Homework Help to college preparation with plenty of fun and adventure in between. Concerts, films, lectures and classes bring the community together and get people talking. We offer free test proctoring to students and provide deliveries to Lakewood teachers to help stimulate their classrooms. Homebound deliveries allow those who are unable to reach our facilities to remain a valued part of the community conversation. And our commitment to the Interlibrary Loan program means that, in addition to the thousands of volumes physically warehoused in our buildings, our patrons have access to virtually every book in the world.
The Library’s rich history has been chronicled by its architect, Edward L. Tilton, as well as by various students pursuing their masters’ degrees in library science. Explore the Library’s history through these articles and papers.
History
Explore the Library’s history through the articles and papers archived here.
Locations
The Lakewood Public Library has two locations to serve you: the Main Library at 15425 Detroit Avenue; and the Madison Branch at 13229 Madison Avenue.
Mission
Learn about Lakewood Public Library’s mission and purpose, vision, values, and strategic plan and goals.
Madison Branch
Located in the historic Birdtown district, the Madison Branch serves the important purpose of keeping Library services within walking distance of every Lakewoodite.
Support The Library
Support the Lakewood Public Library with a donation to the Friends of Lakewood Public Library or the Lakewood Public Library Foundation.
Photo Galleries
Browse photos of the Lakewood Public Library’s two striking buildings.
Public Art
Browse works of public art contained within and without the Main Library and Madison Branch.
Transversion by Peter Diepenbrock
Community Gallery Photography Collection
Friends of Lakewood Public Library
We are a group of volunteers who raise funds for library programs and services, primarily through seasonal sales of donated books and other materials.
Lakewood Public Library Foundation
The Foundation helps the Library acquire resources needed to maintain and increase excellence in community service, and to achieve long-term financial stability.
Employment
Job openings will be posted to this page and in the Lakewood Observer. Certain professional positions will also be advertised through the Ohio Library Council.
Contact
Call or send the Lakewood Public Library a question or comment about your account, programs, teacher services, and test proctoring.
Collection Development Policy
This policy is a guide in the selection and retention of materials, and outlines criteria by which these decisions are made.