Heights Libraries began its mission to serve the community in 1916. We have grown and expanded significantly in the intervening years, but our founding ideals of providing outstanding library services, staff, and facilities has not changed.

Our customer’s needs are our first priority. Our goal is to anticipate and fulfill those needs to provide our customers with a unique and rewarding library experience. We strive to be a community gathering place and provide an environment where all are welcome. Please visit any of our four branches and experience being a part of this vibrant and diverse community.

History

Read a brief history of the Heights Libraries on our Chronology page.

Learn about the Heights Libraries Centennial and see our Centennial Timeline.

Find more Heights Libraries history with our online archive at the Ohio Memory Project Website. Find photos, newspaper articles, meeting minutes and more stretching back to 1916, including the first minutes of the library’s board meetings.

Our Mission

Cleveland Heights – University Heights Libraries fulfill community needs by providing free access for ALL to:

  • Safe, welcoming spaces and digital environment
  • Expert information and research assistance
  • Current and balanced materials
  • Outstanding services, programs, and classes

Our Vision

The Cleveland Heights – University Heights Libraries are the progressive and adaptive center of the community, connecting people to each other, to their neighborhoods, and to the world.

Our Values

We place great value in:

  • Service for ALL
    Lead with a culture of acceptance, diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect for ALL. Ensure that our libraries remain free and accessible. Champion digital and print literacy, intellectual freedom, and privacy. Respond to the needs and wants of our customers.
  • Supporting Community Aspirations
    Cultivate and support programs that encourage safe and thriving neighborhoods. Foster a climate of innovation inside and outside our walls.
  • Responsible Stewardship
    Practice management that incorporates integrity, diversity, and fiscal responsibility. Share organizational decision making and communicate effectively internally and externally.

Library Governance

The library and its policies  are governed by a seven-member Library Board  and a Board-appointed Director and Fiscal Officer. The Fiscal Officer serves as the Clerk-Treasurer and oversees the library’s financial affairs.

Our Commitment to Privacy

Protecting your privacy is very important to the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library. This privacy notice explains the steps we have taken and what your choices are in this effort. We make this notice easy to find on our homepage and everywhere we request information from you.

Strategic Plan

View more detailed information about our strategic plan here.

2023-2025 Strategic Plan
2023-2025 Strategic Plan Infographic
2021-2024 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Plan

2020-2022 Strategic Plan
2019-2020 Strategic Plan
2018-2019 Strategic Plan
2017-2018 Strategic Plan
2014-2015 Strategic Plan
2012-2013 Strategic Plan


Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Plan, 2021-2024
In 2020, the Cleveland Heights- University Heights Library leadership enlisted the support of Compass Consulting Services, LLC (Compass) to help them understand the current state of diversity, equity and inclusion based on input from the experiences of staff, board members and community partners.
View our detailed DEI plan here.


Library Finances

2022 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report

2021 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report

2020 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report

2019 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report

2018 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report

2016 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report

2015 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report

2014 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report

2013 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report

2012 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report 

Previous Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports


2013 Community Survey & 2012 Demographic Study

In February 2013, the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library contracted with the Community Research Institute at Baldwin Wallace University to conduct a combined survey of Cleveland Heights and University Heights residents, library customers and non-customers alike. The community survey was the follow-up to a large community demographic study conducted by Heights Libraries in 2012.  Learn more.