Public libraries have changed since the mid-20^th century, transitioning from stuffy book repositories to bright and open gathering spaces. The Parma Heights branch of Cuyahoga County Public Library (CCPL), 6188 Pearl Road, is enjoying its own evolution, one that library officials say will better support community needs.

The new library opened on Saturday, April 11, about 18 months after breaking ground at Greenbrier Commons. The $16 million, 22,000-square-foot facility replaces the 15,500-square-foot branch built in 1963.

CCPL Parma Heights Branch back patio.The fresh digs feature a maker space, full-service drive-up window, and expanded collaboration and meeting rooms.

As a neighborhood hub, the library will host CCPL’s Aspire Greater Cleveland adult education and workforce development program. The branch is also the future site for an Early Childhood Education Training Center (ECE Training Center)—helmed by The Centers, a Cleveland human services nonprofit.

While the library is still fit for quiet study, CCPL CEO Jamar O. Rahming says the space is poised as an energetic neighborhood centerpiece.

“This building reflects the paradigm shift of library construction projects, where libraries will partner with other nonprofits to leverage the social capital between institutions,” he says.

Cleveland architecture firm Bialosky designed the facility based on input from resident focus groups. Shook Construction built the library, which will serve as a resource hub and learning lab, Rahming says.

The main lobby of CCPL's Parma Branch.The maker space will host computers, software, and other high-tech tools for local entrepreneurs. In-house innovation is vital if the region wants to keep pace with a fast-moving global economy, Rahming says.

“Technology continues to evolve, and libraries are gatekeepers of information,” he explains. “Our responsibility is to give citizens the resources they need to compete and thrive.”

The focus on career readiness makes the Aspire partnership a natural extension of the library’s vision, adds Rahming. Along with adult literacy and high school equivalency preparation, Aspire’s adult programming offers college prep, credential training, and ESL services.

CCPL Parma Heights Branch adult area.The library’s regional ECE Training Center, meanwhile, will focus on youth literacy and workforce development for would-be educators. Students seeking an Associate of Applied Science degree in Early Childhood Education through Cuyahoga Community College will use the center for practical experience as part of their degree requirements—learning the best practices of The Centers’ highly skilled staff.

While early childhood education will focus on developing early literacy skills and a love of books and reading, environmental education will become a hallmark of the Parma Heights branch—given the facility’s proximity to the Cleveland Metroparks.

The Parma Heights library will be a cornerstone of local education and skill development, says Rahming.

“It’s easy to build a building, but activating those spaces is where the work is,” Rahming says. “We live in a delicate time, and people are on edge. As a library leader, I rely on libraries to create stability for the community.”