Learn More About Us
Founded in 1982, CLEVNET is an organization of 47‑member library systems across 12 different counties with 11 million items and approximately 1 million patrons in Northeast Ohio. CLEVNET allows you access to the vast collections of every participating library.
Who We Are
Mission
To enhance the services of member libraries by providing a shared technology ‘infrastructure’ and access to an expansive collection of resources.
Vision
To foster a collaborative environment where libraries can thrive and serve their communities better.
Serving Northeast Ohio
- Cleveland Heights
- Cleveland
- Sandusky
- Stow-Munroe
- Hubbard
- Wayne County
- Wickliffe
- Willoughby-Eastlake
- Twinsburg
- Shaker Heights
- Rocky River
- Rock Creek
- Ritter
- Perry
- Peninsula
- Orrville
- Newton Falls
- Norwalk
- Morley
- Mentor
- McKinley Memorial
- Milan
- Berlin
- Medina
- Madison
- Lorain
- Kirtland
- Kinsman
- Kingsville
- Hudson
- Huron
- Harbor-Topky
- Henderson
- Girard
- Geauga County
- Fairport Harbor
- Euclid
- Elyria
- East Cleveland
- Conneaut
- Clyde
- Burton
- Bristol
- Bellevue
- Birchard
- Barberton
- Andover
History of CLEVNET
Serving Northeast Ohio libraries with trusted online innovation for over 40 years.
CLEVNET Origin Story
In 1979, Cleveland Public Library Director Dr. Ervin Gaines (pictured left) and staff launched an automation project with Data Research Associates (DRA) to create a scalable system capable of rapid information delivery and large data storage. The first automated functions included the card catalog, circulation, serials and periodicals, and a Cleveland newspaper index. The catalog went partially online in July 1980 and was fully operational, along with systemwide circulation, by December.
In 1981, Dr. Gaines anticipated that CPL’s independent database would attract other area libraries. Cleveland Heights–University Heights Public Library became the first partner, and by the end of 1982 the system went live, launching the CLEVNET consortium. Today, under Director Felton Thomas, Cleveland Public Library works with 47 CLEVNET member libraries, making it one of the world’s largest public library systems offering innovative online community and reference services.
Ervin Gaines, 1980, and Marion Huttner Demonstrate Online Catalog 
Computer showing public access catalog of Cleveland Main Public Library with card catalog in background 1982 
Cleveland Heights – University Heights Public Library director and others with computer tying into Cleveland Public Library catalog
*Archival photos taken from The Cleveland Memory Project, https://www.clevelandmemory.org/, and Cleveland Public Library’s Digital Gallery, https://cplorg.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p4014coll13