Mission
Morley Library’s mission is to provide diverse information and excellent service while connecting people with quality resources in a safe and welcoming environment.
Vision
Morley Library enhances the quality of life for all through life-long learning, recreation, and collaboration.
Values:
Community Engagement
We provide support, foster collaboration, and encourage innovation within the community. We actively reach out to better understand community needs and remain flexible and adaptable as needs change.
Inclusion
We create an environment where everyone feels valued and respected. We ensure equitable access, demonstrate compassion, and practice empathy for all community members and library employees.
Intellectual Freedom
We believe that individuals have the right to seek and explore information and ideas freely without censorship or restriction. We encourage curiosity and creativity in the pursuit of knowledge and personal enrichment.
Service
We aim to provide high-quality, friendly service that exceeds user expectations and provides an exceptional user experience. We prioritize safety and uphold integrity to ensure the well-being of library patrons and staff.
Morley Library
Morley Library was founded in 1899 and serves as the County District Library for Lake County. Our immediate service area consists of Concord Township, Village of Grand River, LeRoy Township, and Painesville City and Township. We are a medium-sized public library, supported by state funds and a local levy, providing access for all to opportunities and resources for life-long learning and recreation both within our walls and beyond. In 2016, we served over 260,000 visitors to our building and 72,000 visitors to www.morleylibrary.org, and patrons borrowed over 526,000 items from our collections.
History
The nucleus of the library was provided by the local Women's Christian Temperance Union, which established a temperance library and reading room in 1878. After librarian Mary Dean's death in 1898, friends set about fulfilling her dream of a free public library. Other groups donated more books, the Village of Painesville (which became a city in 1902) agreed to provide tax funds, and local businessman Jesse Healy Morley bought the land and erected the building. The library was named in honor of his parents. Morley Library opened its doors in October 1899, with Julia Erwin as librarian. Additions to the building were made in 1937 and 1978.