About the FRIENDS of the Heights Libraries
Get to Know the FRIENDS
FRIENDS of the Heights Libraries is an all-volunteer citizen organization that supports interest in, and appreciation and use of the four branches (Coventry, Lee Road, Noble, & University Heights) of the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library system. Membership is open to anyone who has an interest in the Heights Libraries.
FRIENDS Projects and Support
Since 1962, we’ve helped our libraries enhance programming and develop special projects by funding annual grants to the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library system. The FRIENDS raise money through used book sales, membership dues and gifts.
Our grants to the library assist their staff in maintaining, improving, and adding to resources and facilities, as well as services for the community.
Some of our recently funded projects:
- Coventry Peace Park Capital
- New library delivery van
- Bike fix-it station
- New Community Book Bike
- Noble Outreach & English to speakers of other languages
- Teen Digital Lab
- Seed Libraries
- Teen Tech Ambassador Program
- Scholarships for students pursuing degrees in Library Sciences
In the 2024-2025 fiscal year, FRIENDS disbursed the final installment of $33,333 of the $100,000 commitment that was made in 2022 toward the Peace Park. Spread over three years, the grant help redevelop the park and the iconic playground portion of the Coventry PEACE Campus.
In addition, FRIENDS awarded $12,500 towards library staff support, $3,500 to the Teen Tech Ambassador program, and $3,000to Memory Cafes. Scholarship grants amounting to $3,000 were awarded to students pursuing a degree in library science. Other smaller grants were also made.
Bookshop Hours / Location
Harvey and FRIENDS Bookshop (named for library patron Harvey Pekar!) is located on the 2nd floor of the Lee Road branch, 2345 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights. The bookshop is open whenever the Lee Road branch is open.
Our shop is stocked with items culled from the library shelves and community donations. A fill-a-bag sale is held on the first Friday of each month.
Twice-a-year MEGA Book Sales held at the Lee Road branch, feature over 10,000 audio visual materials and books
Common Questions
When are the Mega Book Sales?
Our much-anticipated Mega Book Sales (featuring an incredible collection of over 10,000 books, CDs, DVDs and audio books!) are held twice each year at the Lee Road Branch. Follow the FRIENDS Facebook page to receive updates as sale dates approach. See upcoming events >>
Can I donate Books For the Sales?
Yes you can! Many of our books for sale come from personal collections. Click here for complete details on how you can drop off books. For larger collections, we’ll even come to you and pick them up!
Are Donations Tax Deductible?
FRIENDS of the Heights Libraries is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax deductible as allowed by current law.
Current Events
First Friday Book Sales
9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Harvey & Friends Bookshop
Upstairs at the Lee Road Branch
Fill a grocery size bag for $5.00
March 6, 2026
April 3, 2026
June 5, 2026
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Spring Mega Book Sale
@ Lee Road Branch
May 1-3, 2026
Friday and Saturday
May 1 & 2, 2025
9:00 am to 5:00 pm
FRIENDS
Member-Only Preview Night
Thursday, April 30, 2026
5:00 to 8:30 pm
Sunday, Dec. 3rd Fill-a-bag day
Sunday, May 3, 2026
1:00 to 4:30 pm
Want to Help or Join the Friends?
We’re always looking for volunteers, new members and new additions to our Board of Trustees. Membership starts at just $10 a year; and like the famous card, membership has its benefits! Review information on membership here.
There are many volunteer opportunities with the FRIENDS. It’s a great way to meet new people and see the organization first-hand.
Interested? Get details here.
Gather Well/Eat Well
Cleveland Heights
Wednesday, March 4th, 2026
6:30-8:30 pm
At the CLE Urban Winery
(2180B Lee Road,
Cleveland, Heights, OH 44118.)
An event operating as a fund-raiser for the FRIENDS to raise money for their services to the Heights Libraries. Any dollars raised at this event helps the FRIENDS support our libraries, Open to Any and All. Come by for soup, crunchy bread, and homemade cookies, and you Suggested donation = $20.00.
LIBRARY SCHOLARSHIPS
You may be eligible for a FRIENDS scholarship to an ALA accredited library program.
Applications for Summer 2026 scholarships will be accepted between January 15 and February 28, 2026.