Celebrating 90 Years! Over the years Rocky River Public Library has evolved from a quiet gathering place to a vibrant learning center. No matter the changes taking place, staff, administrators, support groups and trustees remain dedicated to a tradition of excellence. In the words of Miss Wilder, the library’s first Director, “For a little library we do a lot!”
1928
Rocky River Public Library is dedicated, the original cornerstone placed on November 24. It's first librarian/director is Miss Katherine E. Wilder.
1967
The Library’s first Director, Miss Wilder, retires. Her successor is George W. Scherma. The collection has grown to 40,000 books with a circulation of 145,000. The staff has gone from two to eighteen.
1978
Our Golden Jubilee is celebrated. The Cowan Pottery Museum is established from the generous bequest of Maude W. Michael.
1985
George Scherma retires as Director. The staff has grown to 30 full- and part-time employees. Circulation is 236,277 and the library owns 88,703 books and audiovisual materials. Michael G. Garrison is chosen as successor.
1991
The paper card catalog is replaced with a computer catalog. Word processors are available for the public. Cowan Pottery Museum hosts the first Annual Cowan Pottery Symposium.
2003
2003 Library mascot Roc E. Rover is introduced. Residents pass an operating levy and funding for expansive interior renovations.
2009
Rocky River Public Library Foundation provides funding to purchase a new vehicle for Outreach Services deliveries.
2014 -2015
Jamie L. Mason is appointed Director. Inside View wins American Library Association’s PR Xchange award for best newsletter. The building’s original 1928 clay tile roof is restored.
2017
The Library joins CLEVNET, expanding access to materials by over 10 million items and "chooses kind" by selecting Wonder by R.J. Palacio as a city-wide Community Read.
Today
Celebrating 90 years, Rocky River Public Library has grown to a staff of 76 full-and part-time employees with a circulation of 737,625 from physical collection of 152,737 items. The library is enjoying another chance to collaborate with other public libraries in Cuyahoga County in supporting the “One Community Reads: Evicted by Matthew Desmond” initiative and continues to act as a community destination for information and inspiration. We look forward to spending the next 90 years with you!
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