Cleveland Public Library Celebrates Opening of Martin Luther King Jr. Campus

By Ron Calhoun

 

The Cleveland Public Library unveiled its long-awaited Martin Luther King Jr. campus on Jan 25th, marking the culmination of a decade of planning and development.

 

The new two-story branch includes 207 apartments located above the library, a first-of-its-kind partnership between the library system and a private developer. This milestone is part of the library’s larger initiative to renovate, expand, or rebuild 27 neighborhood branches. The campus is also a key element of Circle Square, a transformative project reshaping two city blocks and the skyline on the edge of University Circle.

The grand opening drew an estimated 2,500 attendees for a day of celebration that included a ribbon-cutting ceremony, games, food, and prizes. The event was moderated by Danita Harris, WKYC 3News Anchor, who guided the proceedings with energy and warmth.

 

The keynote speakers were Black history icon Rev. Dr. Otis Moss Jr. and his wife, Edwina Moss. Edwina Moss emphasized that the civil rights movement

would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of women working behind the scenes. Rev. Dr. Otis Moss Jr. urged elders in the Black community to teach younger generations about their cultural and historical journey, stressing the importance of preserving the legacy of the civil rights movement.

 

“This is a struggle and every generation is facing fierce opposition, and I think one of the best things we can do is to help the path of young people to be a part of the struggle—to be willing to serve, suffer, and sacrifice, but by all means be prepared for a lifelong struggle,” Rev. Moss said.

During a recent tour of the library, staff highlighted the thoughtful design elements inspired by Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy. At the heart of the space is a raised platform called the “table of brotherhood,” a nod to King’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech from 1963. Congresswoman Shontel Brown opened the ceremony with an enthusiastic welcome, marveling at the massive 40-foot screen that descends from the ceiling, transforming the library into a movie theater or performance space.

 

Acknowledgment was given to Kimberly Hunter, branch manager of the new library, along with the dedicated library staff who will oversee operations. Midwest Development Partners, the construction trades, and the design team from SO-IL in Brooklyn, New York, and J. Kurtz Architects of Cleveland were also recognized for their contributions to the project. 

Numerous politicians and dignitaries attended and spoke about the project’s journey, including Maritza Rodriguez, Cleveland Public Library Board president; Lilian Kuri, President & CEO of the Cleveland Foundation, Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne; Mayor Justin Bibb; several members of Cuyahoga County and Cleveland City Council; and representatives from the Divine Nine. 

 

The new Martin Luther King Jr. campus stands as a testament to Cleveland’s commitment to innovation, collaboration, and honoring the legacy of one of America’s most influential leaders.