The renovation is said to be the largest building improvement program in the history of the CCPL. It added various new areas to the existing spaces.
The newly renovated children’ area features vibrant colours and new, interactive furnishings. Three airplanes have been included in the area where children can play in a miniature version of Fairview Park Airport. The airport theme is a nod to the history of the area. Great Britain’s Big Ben clock is also featured along the wall, along with a new aquarium representing a barrier reef in the area set aside for Australia.
In addition to the children’s area, updates have also been made to the tween (teen) space featuring a gaming station, projection screen and more seating.
Customer inquiry stations have been combined into one service desk. The new materials area now has tables with laptop ports in the centre of the surface for easy access. Two vending machines are featured alongside a wall with a 16-computer technology learning centre occupying a significant area of the second floor.
The upper level also houses a satellite career centre for Cleveland’s west side neighbourhoods. The library’s genealogy section has been expanded upstairs to provide all materials.
The official ribbon-cutting ceremony was performed on 1 August 2012. Construction took almost six to seven months to complete. The building originally opened in 1997.
