Collection strengths:

• BUSINESS The library has business material for the average investor. This includes circulating material that explains investment options and reference material that gives current information.
• LAW The library is in the process of expanding its law materials, with a focus on law for the layman.
• VISUAL ARTS The library has the Worrallo Collection, an endowment for books on art history and artists. The library's visual arts collection also includes material on art technique, photographic technique and photographers.

Specialized Reference Materials:

• Financial Times
• Moody's Investors Service
• Morningstar
• News-Herald (1879-current[microfilm])
• Standard & Poors Stock Reports
• Value Line Investment Survey
• Value Line Investment Survey-Expanded edition

• The History of Willoughby Library (Where It All Started):

  In 1827, Willoughby Township formed a subscription library, where members paid annual dues for borrowing privileges. Soon a book collection was established and in 1905, S.D. Shankland, school superintendent and state legislator, led an effort to sponsor a public library. Money and books were donated by the community and funds ($14,500) for the structure on Euclid Avenue came from philanthropist Andrew Carnegie.

  In the summer of 1909, Willoughby proudly dedicated its new library. The library continued to serve for the next half century and operated two small stations in Willowick and Eastlake. In the 1950's, surrounding communities expressed a need for their own services and Willoughby's capacity was overwhelming. A building levy passed in 1959 providing the solution. Two additional buildings were constructed in Willowick and Eastlake and the Willoughby Library was slated for an expansion and facelift that would be a model for the modernization of Carnegie libraries across the country.

  In 1990, the community voted to support another expansion, which resulted in the updated Willoughby Library you visit today.

  
  

Collection strengths:

• Great DVD and CD selection
• Most current new fiction and nonfiction books available

Specialized Reference Materials:

• Value Line Investment Survey (Small and Mid-cap Edition)

The history of Willoughby Hills Library:

In the 1980’s, the Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library saw the need to provide library services in the growing community of Willoughby Hills. Library representatives met with community leaders to open the library in the Garfield School, located at River Road and Rte. 6.  The Garfield Station opened in 1985, with Mary Parsons as librarian.  Annette Gentile succeeded her.  The staff consisted of the librarian, an assistant librarian, and a page.  When the Library embarked on an expansion program in the early 1990’s, plans were developed for a new Willoughby Hills station to be built in conjunction with a new Community Center.  Unfortunately, the city could not commit to a community center at that time, and the plans were put on hold.

Following the death of Mrs. Gentile in 1994, the Library re-evaluated service at the Garfield School location.  Declining use, accessibility problems, and increased operating costs made it economically unfeasible to keep this facility open.  At the end of the year, the Garfield Station closed, and the residents turned to other libraries in the area for service.

In 1999, the taxpayers approved an operating levy for the library system.  The Library committed to set aside Willoughby Hills’ portion of the levy money to provide future library service to the community.  In 2002, the city of Willoughby Hills approached the library with plans to go forward with the community center project, and invited the Library to participate in this project.  An agreement was reached with the city, and in October of 2002, ground was broken for the new library and community center.  Holly Carroll, the library director, envisioned the Willoughby Hills Library to be innovative; offering unique services for the residents of the community.  The Willoughby Hills Station Library opened on October 4, 2003.

Collection strengths:

• CAREERS The Careers collection includes employment guides, resume writing guides, interviews and job opportunities in specific fields.
• CONTINUING EDUCATION The emphasis in this collection is on examination guides to professional and non-professional advancement as well as entrance guides to colleges, schools and programs.
• MEDICINE The library is in the process of building a core collection that will reflect current health issues, alternative medicine and diseases.

Specialized Reference Materials:

• Value Line Investment Survey

The history behind Willowick Library:

Roosevelt School housed Willoughby's library service in Willowick for about 30 years, and by 1954, the need for a permanent library branch was enormous. Mayor John Olsen spearheaded the drive, calling for a "Library Year" in 1955. The former Willowick Golf Club became the new home of the Willowick Public Library.

In 1959, a levy to build a new expansive facility was passed and in the summer of 1962, the new Library on East 305 Street was unveiled. Thirty years later in, Willowick again saw fit to support growth in the library their city had made. Enjoying a "barrier-free" building, the staff is anxious to meet the needs of today's patrons.