For over 40 years, CLEVNET has demonstrated the power of cooperation and shared expertise by connecting Northeast Ohio users to a collection of shared materials and research far greater than individual member libraries could provide alone.
CLEVNET is the brainchild of former Cleveland Public Library Director Dr. Ervin Gaines, who in 1979 wanted a regional bibliographic database. What started as an automation project for card cataloging and circulation procedures quickly became an opportunity for regional libraries to share resources. CLEVNET formed on December 1, 1982, when Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library signed an agreement with Cleveland Public Library. 40 years later, CLEVNET has 47 member libraries and operates in 12 counties. Members can offer their communities resources that might have otherwise been out of reach. “It’s no secret that Ohio is home to some of the best libraries in the country. CLEVNET is a shining example that libraries are one of the best investments taxpayers add to their communities,” said Felton Thomas, Jr., Executive Director and CEO of Cleveland Public Library. “One library card unlocks the doors for patrons to 47 library systems while allowing those systems to stay independent.”
Using CLEVNET is simple. As a cardholder, you can:
- Borrow materials, place holds, and have items delivered to any of our participating CLEVNET libraries
- Return CLEVNET materials to any library in the consortium
- Check your library account, place holds, and renew material online through the “My Account” feature
- Access our Research Databases to explore and research such topics as car repair, genealogy, consumer information, and medical information
- Connect to our eMedia services to enjoy eBooks, audiobooks, music, comics, magazines, and videos from your computer, tablet, or smartphone
More than one million library cardholders from Sandusky to Fairport Harbor to Wooster have benefited from CLEVNET resources.
