Since 1995, Noble Neighborhood Library has remained substantially unchanged; however, next year, when you walk into the library, be prepared for a completely different look.
The Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library has completed, and made available to the public, its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. The CAFR includes complete details of the library’s financial activity in 2009, including revenues and expenses and balance sheets for all funds. Copies of the CAFR may be reviewed by request to the library’s fiscal officer at 2345 Lee Road in the administrative offices. CAFR is also available on the library's website, www.heightlibrary.org/page/board.
JULY 19, 2010
The Giving Grill, located outside the main entrance of the Cedar Center Whole Foods, is doing a benefit for the Friends of the Heights Libraries on Wed, Aug. 18 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
You won't want to miss any of these library programs. Please call 216-932-3600 for more information.
JUNE 21, 2010
Personal chef Robin Blair demonstrates healthy ways to cook using fresh produce grown in the Heights Libraries’ gardens.
This exciting, hands-on presentation brings out your child’s inner chef. Using fresh fruits and vegetables, children in grades K-5 prepare creative and fun recipes. Bring your aprons. Younger children need adult assistance.
It is not unusual to see people gardening at their homes throughout the summer, but how about at your local library?
Cleveland Heights’ Kyra Nickson enjoys a free and nutritious lunch provided at the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Lee Road Library through a partnership with the Cleveland Food Bank. Open to the public, the daily noon event attracts more than 100 children, who also reap the benefits of books and reading materials presented by library staff.
You won't want to miss any of these great programs! Please call 216-932-3600 for more information.
Take a break this summer in the great outdoors with stories and activities that will make a splash. Stories will not take place in the rain or threatening weather. Sponsored by the Cuyahoga County Board of Health and the Heights Libraries.
Every Wednesday at 2 p.m. at Purvis Park July 7 through Aug. 25
Stop in for one, or all, of the library's special summer reading programs:
Morrison Dance's Fit Fun Frolic
Tuesday, July 13, 7 p.m.
Noble Neighborhood Library
Join in an evening of dance fun. This program demonstrates how to encourage gross motor development, brain growth, and the love of physical activity in young children and infants.
MAY 17, 2010
Vice President Audrey Cole was absent.
Students up to age 18 can receive a free lunch from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., Monday through Friday, at the Lee Road Library. The program runs from June 14 through Aug. 27 and is sponsored by the Cleveland Food Bank. Students do not need to apply, simply stop in to receive a free lunch.
Tonya Davis is an employee of the Heights Libraries who enjoys writing and photography in her free time.
You won't want to miss any of these library programs! Please call for more information.
Coventry Village Library
1925 Coventry Road, 216-321-3400
Lee Road Library
2345 Lee Road, 216-932-3600
Noble Neighborhood Library
2800 Noble Road, 216-291-5665
University Heights Library
13866 Cedar Road, 216-321-4700
Come to the library and dive into this year’s summer reading program, Make a Splash—Read! The library guarantees that its summer programs will be an ocean of fun for everyone!
Children will receive a prize just for signing up. Families can attend the special performances of a magical musical adventure or take a break from the sun at the Coventry Music & Movies Under the Stars series. School-age children can release their creative energy in a program called Beyond the Book.
APRIL 19, 2010
The Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library prides itself on being responsible with taxpayer dollars. In light of this, the library tries to ensure that overdue materials are returned. Sometimes, a gentle reminder is needed to get those items back to the library.
In July, Heights Libraries will join many Clevnet (Northeast Ohio area) libraries in using a “materials recovery service” to facilitate the return of overdue items. Library staff hopes that this will greatly reduce the number of items that have to be replaced. For popular items, such as bestselling books and DVDs, it will also result in hold requests being filled faster. If items are lost, the library asks that the customer pay the replacement cost in a timely manner.
You won't want to miss any of these library programs! Please call for more information.
Coventry Village Library
1925 Coventry Road, 216-321-3400
NIA Coffeehouse, Tuesdays, May 4 & 16, 6 p.m.
Explorastory, Thursdays, May 6-27, 10:30 a.m.
Deaf Gathering, Monday, May 24, 6:30 p.m.
Ukulele Jam, Tuesday, May 25, 7 p.m.
The Heights Libraries and the CH-UH schools have joined together to encourage all residents of the district to read two books: You Remind Me of Me, by Cleveland Heights author Dan Chaon, and The Journey That Saved Curious George: The True Wartime Escape of Margaret and H.A. Rey by Louise Borden.
Everyone is invited to two free events that related to the community’s reading of the books. The first event, Thursday, May 6, will be a scrap-booking workshop. The second event, Tuesday, May 11, will be a a visit from author Dan Chaon. Both events begin at 7 p.m., at the Lee Road Library.
Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library Board meeting highlights
MARCH 15, 2010
· 2010 appropriations budget approved
· Deborah Rossman leaving to head Port Clinton Library
MARCH 15, 2010
2010 appropriations budget approved
Revenue from the Public Library Fund (PLF) is projected to decrease approximately $200,000 from the 2009 total (which in turn was reduced from the 2008 PLF). Staff salaries remain steady at the 2008 level. The library materials budget will decrease 10 percent from 2009, but children’s programs and technology training will receive attention to make up for staff cuts in 2009. The board approved a 1.5 percent salary adjustment to partially replace the retraction of the 2.5 percent adjustment approved in 2009.
Amid the mysteries, romances and DVDs you might find at the Lee Road Library, you can now also find kosher pizza, onion rings, potato knishes and mozzarella sticks in the library’s new “Hot Nosh” vending machine. Located in the Café area on the second floor, the new machine prepares the food by moving it from a freezer to a convection oven and then thawing and cooking it, all in just 90 seconds!
Noble Library renovation plans
Architect Jim Duber of Studio Techne used charts of the present and proposed basement and first floor plans of the library to show key objectives, including a first floor restroom, a prime spot for a teen area, and clean angles on both floors to open up spaces and consolidate computers. The basement would house the children’s area, one meeting room, and periodical storage space. The first-floor space would provide more quiet areas, plus a first floor entrance from the parking area.
The Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library's art study group’s spring series will explore themes, images and literature that relate to the Cleveland Museum of Art’s newest exhibition, “Art of the American Indians: The Thaw Collection.”
The series, a collaboration between the library and CMA’s Ingalls Library, will be in three sessions.
The board accepted the Choose to Read Ohio grant in partnership with the Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District in the amount of $5,211, with a local match of $1,736. One of the two books featured, You Remind Me of Me, is by Cleveland Heights author Dan Chaon. Activities will take place in the spring and will include author visits.
Don't miss any of these great library programs:
Coventry Village Library
1925 Coventry Road, 216-321-3400
Baby Bop, Fridays, Feb. 5-26, 9:30 a.m.
Babysitting Clinic, Feb. 10-12, 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.
The Friends of the Heights Libraries will hold a book sale at the University Heights Library from Thursday, Feb. 18 to Saturday, Feb. 20.
Through book sales and other activities, the Friends support the Heights Libraries by providing funds for library programs, scholarships and staff support. New volunteers are always welcome.Wise Up! A Literary Fest lauded
The board recognized Bruce Hennes, Regina Brett, Brendan Ring and Dierdru Ring for planning and producing the fundraiser held at Nighttown with a sold-out crowd.
Noble Library renovation plans
The board authorized the director to contract with Studio Techne in an amount not to exceed $10,000 to produce preliminary plans and budget for the Noble Library’s renovation. Upgrades are needed for carpeting, painting and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Stay warm at the library with one of these great programs!
Coventry Village Library
1925 Coventry Road, 216-321-3400
"Explorastory," Fridays, Jan. 7 – Feb. 26, 10:30 a.m.
"Tai Chi and Qi Gong," Saturdays, Jan. 5 – 26, 10 a.m.
"Step Out of Time," Tuesday, Jan. 14, 7 p.m.
"Jumping Flea Night," Tuesday, Jan. 26, 7 p.m.
Bleeding Hearts by Susan Wittig Albert
Just Desserts by Claudia Bishop
The Chocolate Mouse Trap by Jo Anna Carl
Blood Orange Brewing by Laura Child
Espresso Shot by Cleo Coyle
Sweet Revenge by Diane Mott Davidson
Mumbo Gumbo by Jerrilyn Farmer
Cherry Cheesecake Murder by Joanne Fluke
Death on a Silver Platter by Ellen Hart
Gourmet Detective by Peter King
Custard’s Last Stand by Tamar Myers
Body in the Snowdrift by Katherine Hall Page
Cook’s Night Out by Joanne Pence
Five-star rating from Library Journal
The library has earned a five-star rating, the highest, from Library Journal, a premier library publication. Categories in the ratings include circulation per capita, visits per capita, and Internet use per capita.
Change in library hours and other services
To conserve funds, there will be a change in service hours beginning Jan. 2. Only the Lee Road Library will be open on Sundays, from 1-5 p.m. This has been a difficult decision but necessary because of the reduction in the state’s public library funding. Keeping the branch libraries closed for almost 48 hours will result in savings in utilities.
Playaways can also be used in the car. Simply connect the device to the car’s MP3 port with a cable adapter. Or, if you do not have an MP3 port in your car, but do have a cassette deck, you can still use your Playaway. Adaptors run about $6 and will connect a cassette deck to the Playaway.
Children can now check out these very popular devices with a newly expanded collection of Playaways. With everything from popular titles like 39 Clues to classics such as Anne of Green Gables, the Lee Road Library is sure to have the right Playaway for any young person.
Public Library Fund revenue (state support for Ohio libraries) is 17.3 percent lower year-to-date than in 2008. Board Member Glenn Billington asked whether the library should aim for a decrease in expenditures of 20 percent rather than 16-17 percent. Director Levin replied that expenditures have already been reduced by a significant amount.
The Lee Road Library plans to host its 10th Annual Poetry Slam on at 6 p.m. on Nov. 12.
A poetry slam is a lyrical boxing match that pits poet against poet in the spirit of fun and creativity. At the Lee Road Library, members of the community are invited to see middle and high school students "spit" their rhymes.
The poetry slam is judged and prizes are awarded for first, second and third place winners. Every poet who participates will receive a journal and every person who attends will receive a Chipotle gift card.
Poets interested in reciting their original works in the competition can register by calling the Lee Road Library: 216-932-3600.
Beginning Nov. 2, library patrons will be able to wipe away overdue library fines at any of the Heights Libraries by donating nonperishable food items, such as canned and boxed goods.
For every nonperishable food item brought in, the library will take $1 off of a patron's fines. Donations will be accepted until Nov. 21 at all four of the libraries and given to the Heights Emergency Food Bank.
All board members present.
Tax budget and state funding
In June the school board approved the 2010 Alternative Tax Budget provided by the library. Fiscal Officer Mollie Riffle will present a five-year financial forecast at the November meeting. Board Member Glenn Billington called attention to the Ohio Supreme Court ruling that put slot machines on hold, which will affect the state budget. The September Public Library Fund (state support) was down 21.5 percent.
Exciting children's programs are starting at the Heights Libraries:
No registration for storytimes
It’s easier than ever to attend storytimes at the library. Just drop in. There is no registration for any storytimes at Heights Libraries beginning this fall. So if your little one sleeps through the Thursday Waddlers program at Lee Road Library, you can attend the Friday program at the University Heights branch.
http://www.heightslibrary.org/pdf/reports/CHUHPL_CAFR_2008.pdf
The Public Library Fund, the source of state monies to public libraries, has fallen from 2.22% of Ohio’s General Fund to 1.97%, necessitating a revision to the library’s 2009 annual appropriations. The board passed a resolution for a decrease of $101,464, with Board Member Glenn Billington noting that this was the second such revision for 2009. Board President Eric Silverman lamented the “horrendous" rate of interest for the library’s $3.4 million money market account at StarOhio. While acknowledging the statutory mandate for absolute safety in public money accounts, the Operations Committee will discuss other banking possibilities at its Oct. 14 meeting. Heights Library’s fiscal officer, Molly Riffle, will continue to explore options.
The Lee Road Library is excited to announce the second annual Digital Photo Contest, sponsored by MotoPhoto. Submissions for the contest will be accepted Sept. 1 through Oct. 24. You may drop off your submissions at any of our Heights Libraries.
This year, entries will be posted on our Web site where the public will get a sneak peek. Visit our Web site for download-able entry forms, which will also be available at the libraries. Beginning on Nov. 7, the photos will be displayed as a traveling exhibition to each branch so that the public can vote for their favorites.Library customers will still be able to enjoy viewing the creations of local artists while working on the computer at the same time, when the Lee Road Library opens its new computer gallery.
Housed in the former Heights Arts space in the west wing of the Lee Road Library, this combination technology center and art gallery will allow for the expansion of the current community office, currently located on the second floor.
While black tie may be the attire for the fancy gala planned for Dobama Theater’s opening night on Sept. 25, the community will be able to dress casually for a sneak peek and celebration on Saturday afternoon, Sept. 12 from 11 a.m until 3 p.m.
The library will present a program for all ages, Shadow Puppet Theater, a fascinating combination of shape, light, and sound that comes together in a performance in which the actors are never seen, only their shadows.
The Heights Library system is delighted to announce that starting this fall, the Ingalls Library at the Cleveland Museum of Art will present joint programs with the Lee Road Library. This is only the second time that the Ingalls Library has entered into collaboration with a public library.
The partnership will offer several programs each quarter to highlight the primary exhibit on display at the museum. The programs will enhance visitors' experiences and deepen their understanding of the main exhibitions on view at the museum. During each quarter, the first offering will be presented by a member of the museum's staff at the Lee Road Library.
Friends of the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Libraries are making new friends and inviting support at the Fall Book Sale on Oct. 15 and 16 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Friends are saying, “Basement prices in the basement!”
All items are “buy one get one free!” Hardbacks are two for $1. Paperbacks are two for 50 cents. The sale will be in the basement of the main library and more than 100,000 books will be available.
MONDAY JULY 20, 2009
All members present.
Board discussion focused on expected cuts in state funding although final information hasn’t yet been received. Board Member Steve Ortner pointed out that the property tax collection rate has fallen from 96 percent to 92 percent. Board Member Eric Silverman also noted the impact of the demolition of the north side of Cedar Center on tax revenue. On a positive note, Board Member Glenn Billington noted that a recent Dobama fundraiser drew 125 donors.
Would you love to hear a symphony but you’re just not sure you’d fully appreciate it? Or, would you like to soak in a beautiful painting and really appreciate its grandeur? Then the library is the place to start.
In support of our two nearby world renowned jewels, the Cleveland Orchestra and the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Cleveland Heights–University Heights Public Library is offering study classes to enhance viewers and listeners’ appreciation of upcoming shows. Music Study Groups, under the direction of Dr. Rose Breckenridge, have been meeting at area libraries for many years to explore the current concert music performed by The Cleveland Orchestra at Severance Hall. The classes utilize informal lectures, listening, and discussion and are designed for both new and experienced music lovers.
The Heights Library is hosting two meetings to reveal plans for the final open space in the west side of the Lee Road Library. The duplicate meetings will take place on Monday, August 10 from 7 to 8:30 pm and again on Sunday, August 16 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. The meetings will be conducted in the Activity Center at 2340 Lee Road. They are free and open to the public.
Attendees will have the opportunity to hear Studio Techne architect Jim Duber outline his design, and may take a walk-through of the 4,000 square foot former gym space. A question and answer period will follow the presentation.
