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Cleveland Public Library
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Cleveland Public Library

See all things to do
See all things to do
Cleveland Public Library
4.5
254 reviews
#5 of 187 things to do in Cleveland
Libraries
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Monday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
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Top ways to experience Cleveland Public Library and nearby attractions

The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
493 within 3 miles
Marble Room Steaks and Raw Bar
481
0.2 mi$$$$ • American • Steakhouse • Seafood
Butcher and the Brewer
451
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Brew Pub • Bar
Mabel's BBQ
856
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Mexican • American • Grill
Taza A Lebanese Grill
314
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Lebanese • International • Mediterranean
Flannery's Pub
584
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Irish • Bar
Blue Point Grille
1,041
0.4 mi$$$$ • American • Seafood • Contemporary
Red the Steakhouse
339
0.2 mi$$$$ • Steakhouse • Vegetarian Friendly • Gluten Free Options
Pura Vida by Brandt
194
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • American • International • Vegetarian Friendly
Pho Thang Cafe
134
0.2 mi$ • Asian • Vietnamese • Soups
Bar 32
116
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar
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Attractions
156 within 6 miles
Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland: Learning Center and Money Museum
95
414 ftSpeciality Museums
Cuyahoga County Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument
386
0.1 miMilitary Museums • Monuments & Statues
Old Arcade
361
0.1 miArchitectural Buildings • Shopping Malls
Public Square
77
0.1 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Society for Savings Building
4
0.1 miHistoric Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
The Mall
23
0.1 miParks
Old Stone Church
114
0.2 miHistoric Sites • Religious Sites
Cleveland Visitor's Center
2
0.1 miVisitor Centers
East 4th Street
24
0.2 miNeighborhoods
JACK Cleveland Casino
7,378
0.2 miCasinos
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
254 reviews
Excellent
201
Very good
43
Average
7
Poor
2
Terrible
1
John
Butler, PA4 contributions
Curious collection in a beautiful space
Apr 2022 • Couples
Visit the special collections on the third floor. It is like a mini museum. Or a cabinet of curiosities at least. And while you are in the building enjoy the stunning marble appointed interior. A beautiful building. We were here in early April and it was a bit cold but in warmer weather I would like to spend time in the outdoor reading garden between the old library and the new wing. We also visited the map room which was a great stop to get oriented to the city and outlying areas. Kids of all ages will enjoy getting their picture on the pig outside the gift shop.
Written April 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Bob Angry
Melbourne, FL1,308 contributions
It's big
Oct 2021
My mommy was a librarian so we always have to drop by when we visit a new city. This one was enormous. In the central atrium that had a very nice art display of various photos from around the city. You can go up to the 10th floor and see great views of the city too.
Written October 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Keenomanjaro
Croydon, UK181 contributions
Good views of the city from the 10th floor
Aug 2019
We initially visited this library to take advantage of the free views from the 10th floor, which were pretty good, looking out across the city to Lake Erie, with a few interpretive screens to help you pick out key landmarks. However, on our way back down, we crossed into the older part of the building and discovered an architectural gem, full of grand rooms with impressive ceilings and elaborate windows. A very pleasant, if unexpected, addition to our Cleveland itinerary.
Written January 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thomas V
Oakland, CA14,834 contributions
Gorgeous Architecture
Mar 2020
This is a truly gorgeous building and worth a visit to admire the classic beaux arts architecture. Gorgeous reading rooms. And I had great success using it when I was a student way back when.
Written December 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Susan M
Corpus Christi, TX232 contributions
This library is also a tourist attraction, who knew?
Mar 2023
My daughters and I met in Cleveland for spring break and after viewing the reviews decided to stop here (my teacher daughter coaches chess) as part of our walking around the downtown area. So glad we did. The building is gorgeous. Do not miss the third floor exhibit area (after the small exhibit area keep walking toward the next room to see the chess sets). We were disappointed that the gift shop wasn't open but thoroughly enjoyed our time there. It is worth paying for the parking and spending some time downtown and if you do that, be sure and stop here.
Written March 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Joseph M
East Sandwich, MA2,162 contributions
The Setting is WOW. Comprehensive Collection and Services.
Sep 2021
This is library is huge and has everything, especially when viewed in terms of the size of Cleveland. A 10-story modern tower paired with a 5-story Greek classical building. You could spend days exploring here. There is an art gallery within it.
Written October 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
John Snethen
Indianapolis, IN1 contribution
Ask for a tour from Mr. Spencer
Feb 2023 • Couples
A true gem of knowledge, history, and architecture. Ask for a personal tour from Mr. Spencer, one of the librarians. A wonderful man, ex-Marine, and at age 78 he’s going for his PhD in bioethics. A fount of knowledge about the library and Cleveland.
Written February 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
K J
Brunswick, OH15 contributions
The People's University
May 2021
One of the greatest library collections in the country. The Main Library is a beautiful structure. The Stokes annex is easy to get around and connects to the Main building. There's also an outdoor reading garden.
Written June 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
move2wonder
Boston, MA103 contributions
Superman in the People's University!
Mar 2018 • Solo
A big fan of public libraries and the CPL is a gem in the heart of Cleveland. Across the street from The Arcade and did I mention FREE. The Superman exhibit is a must and kudos to the TechCentral/MakerSpace area and staff. A plus for architecture buffs and the marble stairs are tres romantique worth a PINterest/INstagram.
Written March 25, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Natalie2
Lancaster, PA132 contributions
Fun visit
Jul 2018
We did a quick stop to view the collections. With the help of a magnifying glass, we saw the smallest book, about the size the top of a pin. There were also additional books in the small book collection that were slightly larger. Additionally there were multiple chess sets, a brick from the Great Wall of China, Abraham Lincoln and Marie Antoinette's signature, and dozens if not hundreds of rare books. Definitely worth a visit if you are in the area.
Written July 12, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Cleveland Public Library - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Frequently Asked Questions about Cleveland Public Library
Cleveland Public Library is open:
  • Mon - Sat 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
We recommend booking Cleveland Public Library tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 Cleveland Public Library tours on Tripadvisor