The Cleveland Public Library recently unveiled TechCentral, a new downtown computing hub that offers free use of laptops, tablets and desktop computers, wireless access and 3-D printing.

A library card is all one needs to access the center, which cost $1 million to build and is located in 7,000 square feet in the lower level of the Louis Stokes Wing.

In addition to being able to explore the latest technology on site, card holders will be able to borrow iPads and Kindles to take home for a week at a time. They will also be able to borrow laptops for use anywhere in the building -- including the Eastman Reading Garden -- but won't be able to take them off premises.

Other features of TechCentral include a flexible learning space and SMART board, cloud computing and computer instruction at the main library as well as branches.

CPL created TechCentral in part to provide city residents access to technology. Yet the library's intentions go beyond serving its core constituency of Cleveland residents to better connecting the library to new developments in downtown.

TechCentral is the first phase of CPL’s $12-13.5 million Downtown Destination Plan, which aims to better connect CPL’s downtown buildings with East 4th Street, the Horseshoe Casino, Public Square, the Medical Mart and Convention Center.

Source: Cleveland Public Library
Writer: Lee Chilcote