CLEVELAND — After 18 months, the Western Reserve Historical Society's library building is opening back up to the public.

What You Need To Know

  • The Western Reserve Historical Society's library is reopening to the public

  • This is after a fire in 2023 caused damage throughout the building

  • An emergency plan is a big reason they saved their collection

In Sept. 2023, a fire in the basement caused smoke and soot damage throughout the building. The library has been closed for restoration ever since.

Next week, the library will resume its regular business hours so people can see its collection.

The library’s acting director, Ann Sindelar, said having an emergency plan in place is a big reason they could save their expansive collection.

“We were really fortunate, and I can’t emphasize it enough, the importance of having not just an emergency exit plan but also an emergency disaster plan especially for any business or institution because it really can guide you along the way with decision making,” Sindelar said.

The library will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.

Here are some photos of the new library building: