By Jerry Masek
West Park is served by multiple branches of the Cleveland Public Library. Two branches will see major improvements in 2022, thanks to Issue 60, a 2-mill levy passed by voters in 2017.
The West Park Branch, built in 1928, is at 3805 W. 157 St. and Lorain Avenue. It has been closed for renovation since May for a $5.2 million interior and exterior renovation. Ground was broken on July 17, 2021. It is expected to re-open in summer 2022.
The present Rockport Branch, 4421 W. 140 St., houses the state-of-the-art Best Buy Teen Tech Center. It is one of the busiest branch libraries in Cleveland.
Plans call for a new building to be built next door, on what is now a vacant lot, at West 140 Street and Puritas Avenue. The new building will be much larger than the current one. After items have been moved to the new library, the present one will be demolished, and create space for a larger parking lot.
A groundbreaking ceremony for the new building could be held as early as spring 2022. The total project is expected to cost $7.5 million-$8 million. For Cleveland Public Library news, go to www.cpl.org. For project updates, go to courbanize.com
