Library improvements bring modern conveniences

by Emily Canning-Dean

In an effort to make the facility more user friendly for patrons, Cuyahoga County Public Libraries spent much of the summer making upgrades at the Brecksville Branch Library.

“As we are making improvements or replacing some of our branches, we are looking at creating more modern spaces, accessibility and convenience,” said Kate McCreary, communications director for Cuyahoga County Public Libraries. “The project in Brecksville was paid for partially through an estate gift from a Brecksville resident. There was no stipulation that we needed to keep the funds in Brecksville, but because she lived in Brecksville, we wanted to use the funds to make improvements at the Brecksville branch.”

McCreary said the improvements began in the spring and finished up in August with the final touch being new doors at the front entrance.

“We installed 6-foot-wide sliding doors which replaced the regular hinge power doors that were there before,” McCreary said. “We found that sliding doors are just easier.”

McCreary said upgrades also included the installation of a drive-up area. She said the area includes a transaction window where patrons can actually interact with library personnel, as well as a book deposit which patrons can pull up to and use any time day or night.

“This is something more convenient for patrons whether they aren’t physically able to get out of the car or if they have a carload of sleeping children,” she said.

Another improvement was the addition of study rooms within the library.

“Study rooms were something that was requested frequently from the community,” McCreary said. “These rooms are equipped with computers, monitors and virtual capabilities.”

McCreary said these study rooms are popular among tutors and students who meet for after school sessions, as well as for individuals who work from home and are looking for a change of setting and a reliable internet connection.

“We have seen people utilize these rooms to have a Zoom conference because they know there will be a reliable internet connection,” she said, adding that study rooms are more often requested with an increased number of people working from home. “I remember when a tornado hit in the Parma area, we had people coming into the branch because they were without power and had an important virtual meeting they needed to attend. We have also found people like to use the study rooms for virtual job interviews because they know there will be a steady internet connection.”

McCreary said the Brecksville branch managed to stay open during construction. She said the upgrades are part of the Cuyahoga County Public Library’s facilities master plan, which began in 2023 and is expected to continue through 2032.

 “Some of our branch buildings are very old and need to be replaced,” McCreary said. “But we think the upgrades that took place at the Brecksville branch have been very transformative for the building and the community.” ∞