About the FRIENDS of the Heights Libraries
Get to Know the FRIENDS
FRIENDS of the Heights Libraries is an all-volunteer citizen organization that supports interest in, and appreciation and use of the four branches (Coventry, Lee Road, Noble, & University Heights) of the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library system. Membership is open to anyone who has an interest in the Heights Libraries.
FRIENDS Projects and Support
Since 1962, we’ve helped our libraries enhance programming and develop special projects by funding annual grants to the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library system. The FRIENDS raise money through used book sales, membership dues and gifts.
Our grants to the library assist their staff in maintaining, improving, and adding to resources and facilities, as well as services for the community.
Some of our recently funded projects:
- Coventry Peace Park Capital
- New library delivery van
- Bike fix-it station
- New Community Book Bike
- Noble Outreach & English to speakers of other languages
- Teen Digital Lab
- Seed Libraries
- Teen Tech Ambassador Program
- Scholarships for students pursuing degrees in Library Sciences
In the 2022-2023 fiscal year, grants to the Heights Libraries from our group exceeded $72,000.
Bookshop Hours / Location
Harvey and FRIENDS Bookshop (named for library patron Harvey Pekar!) is located on the 2nd floor of the Lee Road branch, 2345 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights. The bookshop is open whenever the Lee Road branch is open.
Our shop is stocked with items culled from the library shelves and community donations. A fill-a-bag sale is held on the first Friday of each month.
Twice-a-year MEGA Book Sales held at the Lee Road branch, feature over 10,000 audio visual materials and books
Common Questions
When are the Mega Book Sales?
Our much-anticipated Mega Book Sales (featuring an incredible collection of over 10,000 books, CDs, DVDs and audio books!) are held twice each year at the Lee Road Branch. Follow the FRIENDS Facebook page to receive updates as sale dates approach. See upcoming events >>
Can I donate Books For the Sales?
Yes you can! Many of our books for sale come from personal collections. Click here for complete details on how you can drop off books. For larger collections, we’ll even come to you and pick them up!
Are Donations Tax Deductible?
FRIENDS of the Heights Libraries is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax deductible as allowed by current law.
Upcoming Events
Want to Help or Join the Friends?
We’re always looking for volunteers, new members and new additions to our Board of Trustees. Membership starts at just $10 a year; and like the famous card, membership has its benefits! Review information on membership here.
There are many volunteer opportunities with the FRIENDS. It’s a great way to meet new people and see the organization first-hand.
Interested? Get details here.
Mega Book Sale (Winter)
Lee Road Branch
December 6-8, 2024
FRIENDS Member Only Preview Night
Thursday, December 5th ~~ 5:00-8:30 pm
Friday, December 6th & Saturday, December 7th~~9:00 am to 5:15 pm
Sunday, December 8th $5.00 fill-a-bag day~~1:00 to 4:45 pm
First Friday Book Sales
Fill a grocery size bag for $5.00
January 3, 2025, 9:00 am to 5:15 pm
February 7, 2025, 9:00 am to 5:15 pm
62nd Annual Meeting of the FRIENDS of the Heights Library: Highlights
This year’s annual meeting took place on Sunday, October 27, 2024. We showed off the newly renovated and expanded Noble Neighborhood branch, located at 2800 Noble Road, Cleveland Heights, OH 44121.
We said thank you to Kathy Frederick for her six years of service on the FRIENDS Board and welcomed new board member Ulysses Stokes.
Director of the Heights Libraries, Nancy Levin, talked about the strong position Heights Libraries are in with the opening of the Noble Neighborhood branch and the ongoing construction of the Peace Park. She thanked the FRIENDS for their support of the Peace Park.
Featured speaker, Isaac Robb, shared From a River to a Region, the Story of the Western Reserve Land Conservancy. Isaac noted the work the library is doing in rebuilding the urban tree canopy by the planting of 100 trees in and around the park. His fascinating talk emphasized the importance of place and community participation in the development of any new project.
Margaret Poutasse is the 2024 Helen Sunshine Memorial Award Recipient. Margaret has been volunteering with the FRIENDS since 2011. Most recently, she has been working in the basement, where all donated books are sorted. She identifies and prices books for specials that are sold for more than standard prices.