About Independence Branch:
The friendly, customer-service-oriented staff is proud of the library and the many services offered to the community. The reference department answers a variety of questions in-person and on the phone, and assists people using the Internet and online databases. The Teen and Children's Departments work in harmony with area schools to enhance student learning. There are ongoing programs for children, including storytime, lapsit, and book discussions. Special programs such as puppet shows, craft events, science interactions, and celebrations are offered frequently. Teens can often participate in trivia contests, ongoing games, craft projects, and special events. There is an annual Babysitting Workshop as well. Two book discussions for adults are offered on a monthly basis. Programs on all kinds of topics are scheduled at various times. Past topics have included clutter control, home decorating, computer buying, and herbal medicine.
With the welcoming atmosphere of a small-town library and the vast resources of a major metropolitan library system, the Independence Branch is a great asset to the community!
The community of Independence has had continuous library service through Cuyahoga County Public Library since 1930. The first library began with service one night per week in the High School. From 1934 until 1947 Independence residents made use of County Library's bookmobile on its weekly visits. In 1947 the city made a room available in the Municipal building. At this time the Independence Library-sponsored Book Club began discussion meetings that have continued to this day! Community use of the small library increased rapidly requiring a move to a larger space on the first floor of the Municipal Building within four years.
In 1964 the city of Independence purchased the former Ohio Bell Telephone exchange building on Valley View Drive to accommodate the needs of a growing community. The library remained in that location until a bond issue was passed in 1991 enabling the construction of a large, colonial-style building. The new building opened its doors on May 3, 1992. This beautiful facility with its expanded services immediately drew more people into the library. Circulation reached an all-time high of 350,000 in the year 2000.
