Parma, OH – October 17, 2024 – This morning, Cuyahoga County Public Library (CCPL) hosted a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of construction on its new Parma Heights Branch (6206 Pearl Road, Parma Heights, OH 44130).

The larger, 22,000-square-foot branch will feature an Innovation Center makerspace that provides free access to computers, software and the latest production equipment. Other features will include a full-service drive-up window to ensure greater accessibility for visitors, more collaboration and meeting spaces, and outdoor green space. It will also include the headquarters of CCPL’s Aspire Greater Cleveland adult education services and workforce development program.

Through a partnership between CCPL, The Centers for Families and Children (The Centers), Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) and the City of Parma Heights, the new Parma Heights Branch will serve as a regional Early Childhood Education and Training Center (ECE Training Center). The ECE Training Center will provide early childhood care focused on early literacy — as well as workforce development opportunities for the region’s aspiring early childhood educators.

Click here to access renderings, photos and video footage of the groundbreaking event.

The ceremony included the reading of a letter from U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown and remarks from:

• CCPL Chief Executive Officer Tracy Strobel

• Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne

• City of Parma Heights Mayor Marie Gallo

• Ohio State Senator Nickie J. Antonio

• Ohio State Representative Sean P. Brennan

“Our mission is to empower individuals and communities by providing opportunities for all to read, learn, create and connect," said CCPL CEO Tracy Strobel. "A new building with allow CCPL to provide the community with modern spaces and services that meet the needs of Parma Heights residents. With this project, we are also working to create critical new workforce development opportunities in the county."

Completion of the $16 million project is estimated for 2025. The architecture firm for the project is Bialosky; construction will be managed by Shook Construction.

"The new Parma Heights Branch is an investment in our community's future," said Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne. "By providing job training and early learning resources, Cuyahoga County Public Library is opening doors to opportunity for our residents and providing our children with a strong foundation for lifelong learning. The new library branch will ensure everyone has access to the tools they need to succeed."

In her remarks, City of Parma Heights Mayor Marie Gallo said, “The new Parma Heights Library is set to be a cornerstone of the community, offering residents a state-of-the-art facility that caters to diverse needs and interests. This exciting development is part of a broader initiative to enhance community resources and infrastructure, bringing significant upgrades to the area. This project is made possible through a strategic partnership with the Cuyahoga Public Library, which brings additional resources and expertise to the table. Together, they aim to create a vibrant, inclusive environment that supports the educational and cultural development of Parma Heights residents. This collaboration promises to enhance the quality of life in the community, making the library a cherished destination for years to come.”

The ECE Training Center will be a new, state-of-the-art facility operated by The Centers and located at CCPL’s Parma Heights Branch. Because the center will be co-located with the library, there will be a focus on developing early literacy skills and a love of books and reading. This partnership expands upon the existing, proven partnership between The Centers and CCPL. Since 2018, CCPL has hosted The Centers’ Debra Ann November Early Learning Center at its Maple Heights Branch.

The early childhood care workforce has been one of the slowest sectors to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. The ECE Training Center will serve as a training facility for students seeking an Associate of Applied Science degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) through Tri-C. Tri-C students will receive practical experience that will go towards their degree requirements by working at the ECE Training Center – learning the best practices of The Centers highly skilled staff.

Aspiring early childhood educators in the region who require additional support to acquire the skills necessary to qualify for the ECE program at Tri-C will have access to adult education services provided by CCPL’s Aspire Greater Cleveland. Aspire programming includes instruction, certification, and testing for adult learners pursuing their GED, English language learning, and U.S. citizenship.

Ohio State Senator Nickie J. Antonio said, “Since its inception, the Cuyahoga County Public Library system has expanded and achieved great success, garnering a wonderful reputation in the greater Cleveland area. I applaud this focus on a vision for the future, as the Parma Heights Branch will be the home of the Aspire Greater Cleveland program sharing space with the Early Childhood Education and Training Center. This expansion of the library system will make important and welcome community resources, such as adult educational services, more accessible to residents of Parma Heights and the surrounding areas.”

During his remarks at this morning’s event, Ohio State Representative Sean P. Brennan said, “As a patron and lover of libraries my entire life, I know the significant impact they can have on one’s life. This is why I am very excited about the Cuyahoga County Public Library’s commitment and investment in Parma Heights.”

The ceremony was immediately followed by a reception inside the current Parma Heights Branch that gave attendees the opportunity to meet the project’s architects and construction team, view renderings and learn more about the ECE Training Center. The renderings will remain on display at the current branch during construction.

About Bialosky

An AIA Ohio Gold Medal Firm, Bialosky creates meaningful solutions that are innovative, responsive, enduring and beautiful. For more than 70 years, Bialosky has earned distinguished design awards in the realms of architecture, interior design, and environmental graphics.

About Shook Construction

Founded in 1926, Shook Construction provides construction expertise that spans the industry in size and scope. With an annual revenue of $326 million, the company focuses its work in four market sectors: education, healthcare, industrial, and water resources. Shook serves clients in its seven offices in Cleveland, Ohio; Columbus, Ohio; Dayton, Ohio; Indianapolis, Indiana; Kokomo, Indiana; Richmond, Indiana; and Raleigh, North Carolina. Together, its 400+ employees work to live out Shook’s Mission, To Dramatically Improve the Communities We Serve, in the communities where they live and work.