Mayfield Library Project Officially Under Way

Years of planning gave way to action – or at least a ceremonial version of it – as groundbreaking took place for the new to be built at 500 SOM Center Rd. in .

Instead of actually turning soil, dignitaries shoveled dirt from plastic bins on Wednesday. But crews have already been working on grading the site and guests at the ceremony were excited about the new library to open in 2013.

"This is going to be a gem for our area and really for the east side of Cleveland," Mayfield Village Mayor Bruce Rinker said.

Rep. Steven LaTourette, R-14, noted that the library has an attracting setting, near the Cleveland Metoparks with natural surroundings that include a walking trail.

"This building is exciting, both with its green technology and its pastoral views," he said.

LaTourette also praised the Cuyahoga County Public Library system and told a story about a Mongolian ambassador who, when asked what introductions he'd like to have set up, wanted to meet with library officials.

"Over in Mongolia, they know that it's the top lending institution in the world," LaTourette said.

Cuyahoga County Councilman Jack Schron said he recently traveled to Israel and had Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sign a book he borrowed from the Mayfield Branch Library.

"It's all about entrepreneurship and business development," he said. "I'm returning it a little late, I hope you don't mind."

The 30,000-square-foot library is being built by Panzica Construction Co. and was designed by URS Corporation. Construction is expected to take about a year and cost $11.7 million.