The Art And Architecture Of Lakewood Public Library

The Lakewood Public Library is a popular place for residents to visit, whether they browse for books and magazines, check out the awesome collection of DVD’s and CD’s, take the kids to story hour or attend one of the many free movies, lectures or musical performances. What’s in the library is so enchanting, many people forget the buildings themselves are architecturally significant, with impressive works of art within their walls.

On Wednesday, January 25 at 7 p.m. in the Main Library Auditorium, Library Director James Crawford will bring to life the art and architecture of the Library in a discussion covering both the Main Library and the Madison Branch.

The Main Library opened in 1916 with 10,000 volumes in 11,000 square feet. It was a Carnegie library, one of 2,500 built between 1883 and 1929, designed by New York architect Edward Tilton. This Greek revival building made of Indiana limestone was renovated and enlarged several times over the years as the population of Lakewood expanded. The structure that now stands at Detroit and Arthur Avenues is the latest expansion, completed in 2008. This 93,000 square foot building was designed by American architect Robert A.M. Stern. At the time of its opening, the Cleveland Plain Dealer called the Lakewood Library “a neoclassical palace devoted to reading in general, and books in particular.”

More than books await patrons entering the Main Library. Outside the building on Detroit Avenue stands a 3,000 pound sculpture of textured bronze and stainless steel, "Transversion" by Peter Diepenbrock. Completed in 2011, this distinctive public art work even inspired a book of poetry, photographs and math problems. Inside the Library, visitors are greeted at the entrance to Children’s and Youth Services by David Deming’s whimsical "Lake" and "Wood" sculptures and delighted by the 1978 Reed Thomason murals depicting characters from classic literature. Murals also grace the Grand Reading Room, where the work of Richard Haas illustrates the history of Lakewood.

The Madison Branch opened in 1921 to serve residents in the southeast section of Lakewood, including recent immigrants working in the National Carbon Company factory. In 1929, Lakewood debuted its permanent branch library in Madison Park, a building designed by Walker & Weeks, Architects on land donated by the city. In 1956, the Madison Branch was remodeled and expanded to include an auditorium.

Join Library Director James Crawford in the Main Library Auditorium on January 25 to discover more about the art and architecture of one of Lakewood’s treasured institutions.

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Volume 13, Issue 1, Posted 8:12 PM, 01.10.2017