Many libraries display and promote local art in their spaces through permanent commissions and temporary exhibitions. The Akron-Summit County Public Library has a longstanding relationship with local artists to create and display works. The Cleveland Public Library redesigns its Eastman Reading Garden space to showcase art and is currently accepting artist submissions. Libraries also offer art education opportunities for the community through workshops and summer programs. Special collections at libraries like the Cleveland Public Library and Kent State University Library include artworks related to important historical events. Libraries provide resources and services to support local artists and art communities.

1. Northeast Ohio Promotion and Presentation of the Arts through Public and Academic Libraries

2. Artistic Pursuits

3. Art in the Libraries Many libraries have seized upon the chance to help enrich their environment and their patron's lives by displaying works of art. These pieces come into the libraries through varied means such as donation or simply purchasing the piece from the artist. In some cases public libraries may be the only exposure to arts their patrons have.

4. Art in the Libraries The Akron-Summit County Public Library and its branches is a prime example of such. This public facility has a long standing relationship with local artists commissioning them to create works for permanent display in the building[1]. During its 1999-2004 expansion of their main branch, architect Gwathmey Siegel of the project actually took into consideration artworks that would be returning or added[2]. Art at the Library. Retrieved August 8, 2009, from Akron-Summit County Public Library. Website: http://www.akronlibrary.org/digital-lib/Library%20History/moreartatthelibrary.htm Art at the Library. Retrieved August 8, 2009, from Akron-Summit County Public Library. Website: http://www.akronlibrary.org/digital-lib/Library%20History/moreartatthelibrary.html

5. Art in the Library The Cleveland Public Library has also made efforts to combine artworks in a visually pleasing manner for their patrons. Through the efforts of Cleveland Public Art and Philadelphia based landscape architecture firm Olin Partnership, they were able to redesign Eastman Reading Garden[3]. To further the artistic experience of the space, Cleveland Public Art is currently asking for submissions from artist for pieces to reside within the space[4]. 3. Cleveland Public Library Eastman Reading Center. Retrieved August 9, 2009, from Cleveland Public Art. Website: http://www.clevelandpublicart.org/projects/completed/cleveland-public-library-eastman-reading-garden 4. Call for Artists. Retrieved August 9, 2009, from Cleveland Public Art. Website: http://www.clevelandpublicart.org/artist-resources/competitions/see-also

6. Art Education Often times when individuals think of artist workshops they think of universities, museums and independent galleries come to mind. What may not come to mind is their local public library. Libraries are there to serve their community in more aspects then one could fathom. Many libraries have, or have begun, to offer art workshops for the community.

7. Art Education The University Heights Public Library of Cleveland and University Height has promoted an event put together by another local organization, HeightsArts[5]. The Joy of Text is a festival sponsored by the HeightsArts art organization that combines the written word and visual arts[6]. 5. The Luminous Page. Retrieved August 3, 2009, from University Heights Public Library. Website: http://heightslibrary.org/wordpress/arcanerat/?p=32 6. The Luminous Page. Retrieved August 3, 2009, from University Heights Public Library. Website: http://heightslibrary.org/wordpress/arcanerat/?p=32

8. Art Education The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County for their 2009 focused their entire summer reading program around being creative at the library[7]. With programs like ARRR-tistic Pirates - BLIMEY! and Arts, Crafts and More, this library has been able to present artistic pursuits with a sense of fun and whimsy. 7. 2009 Summer Happenings August 3, 2009, from Youngstown Mahoning County Public Library. Website: http://www.libraryvisit.org/2009_Summer_Happenings.pdf

9. Collections Though people traditionally think of libraries as a deposit of books, they may not realize that many public and academic libraries contain special collections and other acquisitions of art and artifacts.

10. Collections Many libraries, like the Cleveland Public Library, were participants of the first phase of President Roosevelt’s New Deal art program, the Public Works of Art Project which allowed them to acquire works of art to add to their collection.[8] The Cleveland Public Library was fortunate to obtain art works that reflected American Culture.[9] 8. New Deal Collection. Retrieved August 4, 2009, from Cleveland Public Library. Website: http://www.cpl.org/?q=node/2356 9. New Deal Collection. Retrieved August 4, 2009, from Cleveland Public Library. Website: http://www.cpl.org/?q=node/2356

11. Collections The Kent State Library is lucky to have the May 4th Resource Room. Not only does it have educational materials about the events of May 4th, but also stained glass windows, donated my alumni Ted Abel[10], and photos taken during the events of May 4th 1971[11]. Artwork pertaining to the events of May 4th are also kept in an archival setting at Kent State University Library[12]. These works are housed within the Special Collections and Archives Department of Kent State University Library and either relate or respond to this event. 10.Memorials. Retrieved August 4, 2009, from Kent State University. Website: http://www.kent.edu/About/History/May4/Memorials.cfm 11. May 4 Resource Room. Retrieved August 4, 2009, from Kent State University Library Special Collections. Website: http://speccoll.library.kent.edu/4may70/192.html 12. May 4 Art. Retrieved August 4, 2009, from Kent State University. Website: http://speccoll.library.kent.edu/4may70/136.html

12. Libraries and the Art Community Increasingly artist and members of the art community are seeing the library as a resource for the promotion and advancement of their careers and the arts in general. Libraries are offering services to better assist artist in their pursuit of their career.

13. Libraries and the Art Community The Akron-Summit County Public Library offers a resource page for the Akron area[13]. The Mentor Public Library goes one step further with a page of links connecting not only to the visual art world but other facets of arts such as movies or fashion[14]. 13. Akron Area Links. Retrieved August 5, 2009, from Akron Summit Public Library. Website: http://www.akronlibrary.org/akronlinks/artsandculture.html 14. Database Fine Arts. Retrieved August 6, 2009, from Mentor Public Library. Website: http://www.mentorpl.org/finearts.html

14. Libraries and the Art Community As important as proving information and connections to the art community, many libraries are beginning to offer services to assist artist in their careers and pursuits. The Kent State University Library offers services through their Digital Solutions[15]. Case Western Reserve University Library, offers digital software and services through their Samuel B. & Marian K. Freedman Digital Library, Language Learning, and Multimedia Services Center[16]. 15. # Design Solutions Slide Imaging and Scanning . Retrieved August 5, 2009, from Kent State University Library. Website: http://www.library.kent.edu/page/10529 16. Untitled Page . Retrieved August 6, 2009, from Case Western Reserve University Library. Website: http://library.case.edu/ksl/freedmancenter/

15. National Efforts Northeast Ohio libraries have done an excellent job not only promoting the arts and making them available to their patrons, but also build a strong relationship with the local art community. Following are a few efforts from across the country and how these libraries have chosen to promote the arts in their district.

16. National Efforts The Scottsdale Civic Center Library in Scottsdale, AZ with a partnership with Scottsdale Public Art have established a gallery located in the library itself[17]. From Portsmouth Public Library in Portsmouth, NH. Woodworker Jeffrey Cooper created three beautiful wood benches to be placed in the children's room in the public library[18]. IUPUI University Library'sHerron Art Library of Indianapolis, IN partnered with the Harrison Center for the Arts to sponsor the art book themed event “Bookish[19].” 17. The Gallery @ the Library. Retrieved August 10, 2009, from Scottsdale Public Art. Website: http://www.scottsdalepublicart.org/ArtSpace.php 18. Adam Leech, "Artist creates hippo, bear and whale benches for library," Seacoast, August 07, 2009 (http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20090807-NEWS-908070373] 19. University Library Partners with Local Art Center to Host Artist's Book Exhibit. Retrieved August 10, 2009, from IUPUI News center: http://newscenter.iupui.edu/4147/University-Library-Partners-with-Local-Art-Center-to-Host-Artists-Book-Exhibit

17. Thank You