The Chagrin Falls Ladies Library Association was the first organization known to promote a community library in 1842.

Aristarchus Champion, who built the Town Hall on North Main Street in 1848, donated a collection of 800 good and valuable books for public use. Mr. Champion's Library Hall was open for several years until he decided to remove his books and sell the building to private individuals.

In 1921, a group of interested women formed the Chagrin Falls Memorial Association to further the cause of a library and a building. Stock in the association was sold for $10 per share and 44 shares were sold. A 13' by 19' room was rented on the second floor of the building that now houses Gorants Candies on North Main Street. Library cards were sold for $1 and the collection included 900 volumes.

The Association continued until 1924, when it joined what is now the Cuyahoga County Public Library System. Chagrin Falls was their first branch! Alida Hutchinson became the first librarian and library cards were free. In 1925, the library was moved to the second floor space in the Ober Building at the corner of Main and Bell Streets. The library was over what is now the Painted Cottage. In 1930, the library moved again, with the help of the Boy Scouts, across the street to three rooms on the second floor of the building that is now Starbucks. The outside staircase that remains on the Falls side of the building today was the only access to the library. In 1933, Adria Humphrey, a county supervisor, came to Chagrin Falls to serve as librarian and Louise Ralston followed two years later. In 1949, the library and Miss Humphrey fostered the 60 Plus Club, the first senior group in the community. Members of the 60 Plus Club formed the Chagrin Falls Historical Society with the assistance of Miss Humphrey and Mrs. Ralston.

In 1937, the village bought the Gates house on West Washington Street for the Village Hall and offered the library four rooms for its growing collection. This was the first time in local history that the library occupied first floor space. In 1958, land was deeded to the library for a new 5,500-square foot building. On June 20 of that year, the present building on East Orange Street was opened. A second parcel of land was deeded to the county system in 1968, which allowed a 7,688-square foot addition to be built. The interior of the library was renovated in 1979, and another addition and major remodeling took place in 1989.

Friends Of The Chagrin Falls Library

The Friends Of The Library is an organization of people who believe in, and support the Chagrin Falls Library as a valuable community resource. The Friends are conscious of the importance of an effective and attractive library. They work to raise funds, support special projects and enhance library services. Being a Friend means knowing that you are making a real contribution to ensure that your Library retains its vital presence in the community.

Membership in The Friends Of The Library is open to all.

Special Projects Include:

• Expansion of services to the home bound.
  
• Assistance for educational and
  recreational programs.
  
• Musical events.
  
• Book sales.
  
• Providing audio visual equipment