For more than ninety years Lakewood's commitments to both private philanthropy and public support for Lakewood Public Library have helped to grow one of the best and most accessible public libraries in the world. With roots that reach back to Arthur Avenue residents purchasing the site of Main Library in the hope of obtaining for Lakewood an Andrew Carnegie public library, Lakewood Public Library continues as dynamic testament to the value of a grand community commitment to learning and reading together.

The expansion and renovation of Main Library, designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects, speaks marvelously to a grand community commitment and achievement now growing on Detroit Avenue. Mr. Stern has specified eight different locations throughout the new building for works of art that will compliment and accentuate the neoclassic modernist design. In response, the Lakewood Public Library Foundation has been involved in an incredible fundraising effort, spearheaded by Mary Anne Crampton and Lucy Sinagra, to generate resources needed to commission world-renowned and first class Lakewood artists with outlooks sympathetic to the architecture and library mission, and whose site specific artwork will enhance the building. By the close of 2007, nearly $400,000 had been raised through private bequests, donations and Lakewood Public Library Foundation efforts to support the commissioning of monumental art for the newly expanded Main Library. As we aim to reach $500,000 in 2008, I ask that you consider making a commitment to art in Lakewood Public Library and contributing to the Lakewood Public Library Foundation.

Already the Lakewood Public Library Foundation has sponsored a successful photography contest that generated 34 photographs from 23 Lakewood artists. Artists received a $200 award for each winning photograph. These photographs, which feature inspiring views of Lakewood’s architecture, community and natural beauty, are now framed and hung in the Community Gallery.

As an early Carnegie recipient, Lakewood Public Library's relationship to architecture, community, history, knowledge and philanthropy is now expressed beautifully in the Grand Reading Room where a generous bequest from Doris Burkley, a fourth grade teacher from Madison School, made possible the commissioning and installation of two murals by world acclaimed muralist Richard Haas. The Grand Reading Room is, of course, a place for quiet reading and traditional study that inspires intellectual purpose and respect for public library decorum. Abundant natural light, compelling art, dignified furnishings, distinctive book collections, vivid colors and views that span north of the city to Lake Erie all combine to make the Grand Reading Room at Lakewood Public Library one of the most spectacular in the nation.

The renovation of Main Library – Phase Two - will be completed in the Spring. A cold and wet Fall had some impact on the schedule, causing delays in roofing and paving of the parking lot. By the end of March, with a certificate of occupancy expected from City Hall, installation of computers, furnishings, shelving and offices will commence. Main Library will remain open during this final period of moving and transition. By mid-April, when asphalt factories have re-opened, the paving of the parking lot should be completed. The drive-thru window will then be available for your convenience.

Throughout the month of May, after shelving and fixtures have been installed, retrospective items from audio-visual, children's and adult fiction collections will be returned from storage. Main Library's Technology Center will open with new computers and the capacity to service 80 individuals. A 1900 square foot Organic Learning/Pre-literacy Center for children ages birth through age five is scheduled for installation as well.

The Friends of Lakewood Public Library will again hold a Book Sale preview at Main Library on Thursday, June 5th.

2008 promises to be an exciting year, which will see all collections, facilities, operations, programs and services functioning again as a whole.

I thank you for your continuing patience and support.

Kenneth Warren
Director