Youth Literacy Photos | Credit: Cleveland Public Library
Cleveland Public Library is celebrating National Library Card Sign-Up Month this September with new library card designs, author conversations, an art installation and a citywide passport initiative encouraging Clevelanders to explore their Library and their city.
The Library is introducing three new Cleveland Browns library card designs available to patrons of all ages through its collaboration with the Cleveland Browns. Building on the success of the Cleveland Browns youth library card, the new designs will be available at Library campuses this September as the Library and the Browns in celebration of the start of the NFL season and National Library Card Sign-Up Month.
Youth Literacy Photos | Credit: Cleveland Public Library
“A library card unlocks a world of possibilities. With every book, program and new discovery, there’s an opportunity to learn, grow and imagine what’s next,” said Felton Thomas Jr., executive director and CEO of Cleveland Public Library.
To sign up for a Cleveland Public Library library card, visit cpl.org/library-cards or visit your neighborhood campus.
Throughout September, Cleveland Public Library will host events and programs across the city that promote literacy, learning and a love of reading, giving residents of all ages opportunities to connect with authors, artists, ideas and one another.
At the Table: Author Talks and Community Conversations Cleveland Public Library’s At the Table series continues with conversations featuring acclaimed authors and historians as part of Cleveland Book Fest, a monthlong showcase of literary excellence in Northeast Ohio.
Highlights include:
Dr. Ibram X. Kendi, Sept. 16, 6–8 p.m., Martin Luther King, Jr. Campus, discussing his new book, Chain of Ideas: The Origins of Our Authoritarian Age.
Andrea Davis Pinkney, Sept. 17, 11 a.m.–1 p.m., Martin Luther King, Jr. Campus, celebrating the life of Toni Morrison through Pinkney’s children’s book, And She Was Loved: Toni Morrison’s Life In Stories. A book signing will follow.
Laveta L. Parker, Sept. 19, 12–2 p.m., Hough Campus, discussing her children’s book LaLa Meets a Friend and its message of friendship and connection across differences.
Don Billie, Sept. 19, 1–2:30 p.m., Rockport Campus, presenting the story of Cleveland’s mysterious 1928 Mafia Summit.
James Renner, Sept. 19, 2–3:30 p.m., Main Library, discussing his new book, A Cruise to Nowhere, about the unsolved disappearance of Amy Lynn Bradley. A book signing will follow.
John Delzoppo, Sept. 26, 3–5:30 p.m., Carnegie West Campus, discussing his first book Where Shit Happened: The Paper Trail to Speak In Tongues and his involvement in the Cleveland music scene.
Inventory of Lost Books: Pulped The Library will also feature Inventory of Lost Books: Pulped, an art installation bringing attention to more than 4,000 books banned across the United States since 2024. Community members can contribute by donating books from the artists’ list of needed titles at any Cleveland Public Library location. Donated books will become part of the installation. View the list of banned books here.
Mission: Possible Passport Initiative Beginning Sept. 12, Clevelanders can explore the city through the Mission: Possible Passport Initiative, as part of One Cleveland, a city-wide civic pride campaign honoring Cleveland’s 230 anniversary. Patrons can pick up a passport at any Library location and visit campuses throughout the city through Nov. 28 to collect stamps, discover Library services and experience Radical Hospitality across the Library system for a chance to win prizes.
Literary Conferences In addition to its own robust lineup of programs, Cleveland Public Library will partner with literary organizations across the community to celebrate and support writers and readers. This includes GLAAWC, the 2026 Great Lakes African American Writers Conference, returning Sept. 5 for its ninth annual conference, and Literary Cleveland’s Inkubator Writing Conference at Main Library on Sept. 9 through Sept. 12. Inkubator, the largest free writing conference in the country, brings writers together for workshops, craft talks, panel discussions, readings and more, empowering writers, celebrating literary excellence and amplifying diverse voices.
For more information about Library Card Sign-Up Month, upcoming events and Library locations, visit cpl.org.