I recently took a guided tour of the Cleveland Public Library’s Main Building in downtown as part of Cleveland History Days. The Cleveland Public Library will be celebrating its 150 anniversary next year. The Main Building was built in 1925 with the newer Louis Stokes wing being built in 1997.
One of my favorite spots in the library is the Special Collections Department on the third floor of the Main Building. It houses the largest chess publication library in the world. It includes any type of chess-related document, manuscript, photograph, object, or archive. It also contains chess sets from around the world. One of my favorites is the salt and pepper shaker chess set.
The Special Collections Department also includes a collection of miniature books. One is the size of a pin head! There is a brick from the Great Wall of China there as well.
If you have never explored the Cleveland Public Library downtown, it is worth a look! The library and its history are one of the many things covered in our Downtown Highlights walking tour. Book your tour today!
