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Years of planning gave way to action – or at least a ceremonial version of it – as groundbreaking took place for the new Mayfield Branch Library to be built at 500 SOM Center Rd. in Mayfield Village.
Instead of actually turning soil, dignitaries shoveled dirt from plastic bins on Wednesday. But crews have already been working on grading the site and guests at the ceremony were excited about the new library to open in 2013.
"This is going to be a gem for our area and really for the east side of Cleveland," Mayfield Village Mayor Bruce Rinker said.
Rep. Steven LaTourette, R-14, noted that the library has an attracting setting, near the Cleveland Metoparks with natural surroundings that include a walking trail.
"This building is exciting, both with its green technology and its pastoral views," he said.
LaTourette also praised the Cuyahoga County Public Library system and told a story about a Mongolian ambassador who, when asked what introductions he'd like to have set up, wanted to meet with library officials.
"Over in Mongolia, they know that it's the top lending institution in the world," LaTourette said.
Cuyahoga County Councilman Jack Schron said he recently traveled to Israel and had Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sign a book he borrowed from the Mayfield Branch Library.
"It's all about entrepreneurship and business development," he said. "I'm returning it a little late, I hope you don't mind."
The 30,000-square-foot library is being built by Panzica Construction Co. and was designed by URS Corporation. Construction is expected to take about a year and cost $11.7 million.
In This article
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Cuyahoga County Public Library Mayfield Branch
500 Som Center Rd, Mayfield Village, OH -
Mayfield Village
6622 Wilson Mills Rd, Mayfield Village, OH
Victor Donatelli
9:03 am on Thursday, May 3, 2012
Can you let me know who is paying for it
Class of 68
have been using the old one for over 40 years with no problems
Donna
9:21 am on Thursday, May 3, 2012
Still disappointed with the location and seeming unwillingness to get creative with the current site, which is within walking distance of the high school and multiple bus routes. I'm sure the new site is lovely, but we go to a library for the books, not the scenery. By moving to a location that's best accessible by car, how many students will no longer be able to get to the library? This would be unfortunate...
X-factor
10:22 am on Thursday, May 3, 2012
I love the new location of the library. A good quiet place for reading and studying. In today's world, if you can't get to the library, you probably shouldn't be there. Woud you really want people getting off a bus to be in there with your children??? I sure don't. Can't wait for it to open!!!
Hank Drake
12:00 pm on Thursday, May 3, 2012
I'd like to make a few points from the perspective of a frequent patron. There seem to be two complaints regarding the proposed library relocation: 1. The new location does not adjoin the high school and is less accessable to students there; 2. The new location is farther from the "population hub" and the I-271 interchange and will add more traffic to SOM Center Road.
1. Public libraries, for which adult taxpayers foot the bill, are not dropping off stations for students. They are meant for the general public and if students want to participate, fine - but it should not be at the cost of disrupting the use by grown-ups.
2. Because of the adjoining high school, there is a lack of adequate parking during school hours, and during later hours, one must often park in the school lot.
3. I work on SOM Center Road - the traffic here is not comparable to the nearly gridlock situation at the current Mayfield site when school is letting out or during peak commute times. The addition of a new library on SOM Center will certainly increase traffic, but not by very much.
This is a chance to build a beautiful, harmonious library that the entire public can enjoy. The existing branch can be repurposed and, if memory serves, the school district has already expressed interest in using the building. The ease of parking will make up for the increased distance some will have to travel, and RTA has a drop off point nearby for those who don't drive.
Roger Vozar
12:17 pm on Thursday, May 3, 2012
As for who is paying, the Cuyahoga County Public Library system is funded by all county property owners through tax levies.
Regarding the location, there are certainly pros and cons. I know some people don't like that it's going to be a bit farther away from much of the population it serves. However, being by the high school has advantages and drawbacks. It's handy for students, but does create traffic problems at times and I've been told patrons tend to avoid the library in the time right after school because of the sudden influx of students.
Lauren Isgood
12:19 am on Sunday, May 6, 2012
I can't believe anyone is complaining about the location being less than accessible for high school kids. Just try going to the Euclid Public Library at dismissal time some day. It's a beautiful library, with an excellent, knowledgeable staff, an amazing collection of resources. But, beginning at 2:30 every school day, It gets over-run by kids who are loud, rude, vulgar, profane, and who walk around with their butts hanging out of their pants and generally turn the library into a place where it is very difficult for serious students to concentrate or get any work done. I was in there one evening and saw a girl performing a sex act on a boy. I've seen the staff abused and cussed at, and not just by the kids. The location of the new Mayfield Library may make it my new first choice. Sorry Euclid. You're great, but the teenagers are ruining it for the rest of us.
marie harmon
11:09 am on Saturday, May 5, 2012
The new site certainly seems attractive enough; I can hardly wait for the ability to read, walk in a park, go in and out. I do drive and have no problem with access but realistically e-books are on their way. I am sure high school students know how to access these on the internet. It may become a leader in local libraries going to e-books out of necessity.