Bookbug

The books in the South Euclid-Lyndhurst branch of the Cuyahoga County Library System are housed in this elegant home. We have passed this place along Mayfield Road thousands of times and did not realize the mansion partially concealed by shrubbery along its perimeter was a library, despite the black wrought-iron sign that identified it.

Day 122/365

We were headed home when I pointed out the library sign to Bug. He quickly turned into the driveway. The place seemed like an adequate sized library driving past the street-facing side of the home. We drove past a covered driveway and discovered a small lane leading down a hill, behind the structure.

From behind (shown above), the handsome home turned into a magnificent mansion. We parked and peered  through a thicket. The stroll to the library entrance was serene.

We entered at the ground level, which houses audio-visual media. The area was packed with people flipping through DVDs and CDs.

Day 122/365 - Ground level

Through a landing and up a narrow flight of stairs, the main floor opened up to several rooms with different uses and themes, like a children's meeting room.  

Day 122/365

Upon entering the reading area, I gasped at the ornate grill and ceiling, the warm wood beams, chairs, the spacious layout, and the abundance of plants, and could not help but whisper to one of the librarians busily tapping away at a computer how fortunate she must feel to work in such a beautiful environment. She agreed, perhaps to get rid of the crazy lady that must have been raised by wolves.

Tell me this is not a beautiful library.

Day 122/365 - Reading room

At the far end of the room is a water fountain full of coins. Magazines are along one wall, and there is a walk-in nook dedicated to graphics novels.

I walked out borrowing two books, and Bug found a few as well.

- Cassaendra

South Euclid-Lyndhurst Library
4645 Mayfield Rd
South Euclid, Ohio 44121-4087
Tel: 216-382-4880