The East Cleveland Public Library (ECPL) has long been a central part of the community. Growing up in East Cleveland, I visited the library often. Located in the heart of the city, it was a short walk from schools like W.H. Kirk Middle School and Shaw High, close to well-loved spots like the now-closed Peter Pan’s, famous for its donuts, and just steps from the Windermere bus station. It has always been an accessible and convenient place for residents.
Today, the library continues to evolve and adapt to meet the needs of its community. Recently, the library was awarded a $10,000 Physical Access Grant from the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities (Cuyahoga DD) for 2025.
The grant will fund upgrades to two workstations, allowing more patrons to engage in computer workshops, Internet work, publishing, online research and learning. These workstations will include adjustable tables, large-print (white text, black keys) or low-vision (black text, yellow keys) keyboards, optical trackball mice, and software accommodations for literacy and learning skills, according to Janet Keeler, Ph.D., director of Community Development at Cuyahoga DD.
The library anticipates that its Board of Directors will accept the funds during the April Library Board meeting, with work set to begin by June 2025. The library and Cuyahoga DD have already begun collaborating on the project. These upgrades will further enhance the library’s ability to serve everyone in the community, ensuring that all patrons can access and benefit from its services.
Improving Access Through Partnership
ECPL has worked closely with Cuyahoga DD for several years to enhance accessibility, especially for patrons with developmental disabilities. “We initially worked with them to improve program accessibility and create a sense of belonging for children with developmental disabilities,” said A’Sarah Green, ECPL’s IT network manager. “Since that first partnership, we have continued to improve access and awareness for individuals with developmental disabilities in our community. Each year, we provide new accessibility features with their help.”
ECPL Executive Director Carlos Latimer shared the library’s commitment to accessibility in a statement, “The East Cleveland Public Library is dedicated to ensuring everyone achieves their highest level of literacy. Our mission is to provide life-enhancing, consciousness-raising library services and cultural activities that reflect the needs of the East Cleveland community. Our invaluable partnership with Cuyahoga DD graciously gives our library the resources and tools to enhance existing offerings, like accessible computer stations. We are grateful to Cuyahoga DD.”
In 2023, the library received the Library Facilitator Grant, which funded new books and materials and supported the placement of a facilitator, an individual with developmental disabilities (DD) who works alongside staff and leads programs. Through this role, the facilitator co-led nine programs, helping to create more inclusive experiences for patrons. In 2024, the library received another grant that funded the addition of a universal changing table, continuing its efforts to improve accessibility for all.
Green shared that these accessibility improvements were identified through feedback from the library’s annual patron survey. “When we recognize a patron needs additional support, we determine tools and strategies to help address their needs,” Green said. “As we continue to promote an inclusive and supportive learning space for all, we identify necessary improvements and secure funding to make them happen.”
Green confirmed that the 2025 Physical Access grant upgrades would be handled in-house by both the facilities and technology teams. The upgraded workstations will be located in the Black Heritage section of the library, directly to the right upon entering the building.
Inclusive Spaces and Community Services
ECPL Deputy Director Theresa Flood, who has been with the library for 25 years, including the last six in her current role, led me on a tour, highlighting the library’s ongoing commitment to inclusivity and accessibility. I was able to see many of these features firsthand, including the entrance ramp, elevator, electric wheelchairs available for patrons, and a family restroom on the lower level equipped with a Universal Changing Table.
During my visit, I also met several key staff members who help bring the library’s programming to life. Chanell Maxwell, IT coordinator, supports adults in the maker space, where patrons explore 3D printing, Cricut creations, digital conversions, sewing and button-making. At the Creative Print Center, I was introduced to Darin Gooch, digital publications coordinator, and Liz Anastasiadis, marketing and program associate. Together, they assist patrons with services like printing business cards, posters and photos, as well as processing passport applications. The center also includes collaborative hubs where community members can meet, share ideas and work on creative projects.
The library’s commitment to accessibility extends to its children’s programming as well. The children’s maker space encourages creativity through activities like engraving and 3D printing. Flood also pointed out tall desks designed for children who may need additional support, including those who use wheelchairs. Beyond the maker spaces, Green added that the library also provides large-print books, accessible displays, and specialized joysticks in the teen section for patrons who enjoy video games.
The library also features a Performing Arts Center, meeting rooms, a career center, a computer lab, and various other spaces and resources for all ages and needs, all of which are ADA-compliant. “Every part of the library is designed to be welcoming to patrons of all abilities,” Flood shared during our tour.
“It takes more than sight to read. When libraries invest in accessible equipment, they offer education for all the senses. Vision is not the only path to reading. That is so critical to understand,” said Alicia Howerton, manager of external and government relations at the Cleveland Sight Center.
To support these efforts, ECPL staff receive ongoing training through the Northeast Ohio Regional Library System (NEORLS), ensuring they stay up to date on the latest methods to support patrons with disabilities. “Additional training is encouraged,” said Green. “Staff are required to complete at least three new sessions annually.”
Cuyahoga DD’s Ongoing Impact
The 2025 grant aligns with Cuyahoga DD’s mission to create inclusive spaces. “Libraries are essential resources for many communities,” said Keeler. “Cuyahoga DD has invested over $1 million to improve accessibility and inclusion, helping organizations connect with new audiences through marketing, social media, and their Online Resource Guide.”
She emphasized the importance of community input in the grant process and explained that while usage data will track how often features are used, the deeper goal is to help patrons feel welcomed and empowered while highlighting the value of people with disabilities. ECPL’s efforts, she noted, go beyond ADA compliance and serve as a model for other communities.
ECPL’s Green added that these improvements will create more inclusive spaces for visitors with disabilities. “There is something for everyone, and we hope patrons feel that when they come into our space,” she said.
To date, Cuyahoga DD has invested $184,000 in 23 organizations to expand inclusive programming and services, with another round of grants expected in 2026. This investment supports full community participation. With 25% of Cuyahoga County residents having a disability, organizations that overlook inclusion risk missing out on one in four potential customers. People with disabilities and their families represent a trillion-dollar market segment, according to Keeler, citing U.S. Department of Labor data.
Ways to get involved
Cuyahoga DD offers free resources to support community inclusion, including accessibility walk-throughs, ADA assessments, and recommendations for universal changing tables. For more information, visit cuyahogabdd.org or call 216-736-4518.
The East Cleveland Public Library remains committed to offering something for everyone, whether through physical space or programming. If you have suggestions to help enhance library services, the team welcomes your ideas and would love to hear from you. You can reach them by phone at 216-541-4128. Most importantly, they invite you to visit. Explore the creative spaces, attend an event, or simply enjoy a quiet moment with a book. You can check out their program calendar to discover what’s coming up at the library, from workshops and classes to community gatherings and more.
To support ongoing accessibility efforts and future initiatives, you can donate on ECPL’s website. If you know someone who may be interested in becoming a Library Facilitator, click here to learn more. The library is located at 14101 Euclid Avenue and is open Monday through Thursday and Saturdays from 10 AM to 6 PM.
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