Cleveland State University Library
Michael Schwartz Library, Rhodes Tower, Cleveland State University
I have been enrolled at Cleveland State University for over two years now and I recently just checked out their library for the very first time. As a woman who loves books and libraries, how did it take me this long to visit?! The simple answer is I’ve taken lots of online classes and none of my classes have been in the Rhodes Tower building. I find it fascinating that Cleveland State University has a Special Collections library dedicated to Cleveland’s history, including the city’s infrastructure, journalism, and industrial history. Just before you enter this library, you can see the “Love Letter To Cleveland” mural with many iconic Cleveland people and places created by artists Gary and Laura Dumm. I could not resist getting selfies with the leg lamp and the Guardian statue as I’m a huge “A Christmas Story” fan, as well as Cleveland Guardians fan. The library has many old books from way back when my parents went to CSU, along with new books. The library definitely has an old library vibe (the building is very old after all) and those are truly the best in my opinion. There were some modern elements to it including a digital design studio. As someone who has an Associate’s Degree in graphic design and appreciates good design, I think it is wonderful that students have a place like this to go to in the library. The CSU Poetry Center is my favorite part of the entire library. I’ve gotten into poetry in recent years, so I knew visiting the poetry center was a must for me! The CSU Poetry Center dates all the way back to 1962 when it was Fenn College. They recently celebrated their 60th anniversary. Not only do they have a large poetry selection you can choose from, but they publish two to five books a year which I find impressive. They host a Lighthouse Reading Series every year and also offer literary programming on both a local and national level. They collaborate with many local organizations in the Cleveland area. I found the CSU Poetry Center to not only be the quietest area in the library, but the most peaceful. I will definitely be back. For more information on the Cleveland State University Poetry Center check out their website.: http://www.csupoetrycenter.com/mission