100 years of Legacy: Cleveland Bradley County Library begins Centennial Celebration

Photo by Senior Photographer, Riley Evans

Several events have been planned throughout the year to commemorate the 100th birthday of the Cleveland Bradley County library which has become a cherished icon in the Cleveland community.

Dating back to 1923, the Bradley County Library opened at 833 North Ocoee in a building now known as the Craigmiles House, or the historical branch of the Cleveland public library.  The Craigmiles House is known in Cleveland for its architectural beauty as well as its historical significance.

The Hardwick-Jarnigan House also acts as a branch of the Bradley County Library. While this branch is smaller, it still functions as an extension of the library today. Originally built as a home, the Hardwick-Jarnigan House was added on to and donated to the city as an additional public library in 1984 by the owners. 

The main branch of the Bradley County Library sits proudly today as a symbol of opportunity and community as the library celebrates 100 years of history. 

“At the time of its opening in 1923, the Cleveland Public Library was number seven in the state that served both city and county residents. There were larger and more metropolitan areas that did not have a public library. The purpose of the Centennial celebration is to mark this early achievement and the significance the library had on the community. We want to celebrate what has been accomplished in the past hundred years, the employees that are the heart of the organization, the donors who supported the early library and continue to support us,” said Margot Still, director of the History branch. 

To acknowledge the history of Bradley County Library, several events have been planned for the year to further recognize the significance of the celebration. 

The main events are historical tours of The Craigmiles House starting Feb. 11 through Nov. 16. of this year. These tours are available for online scheduling and each tour guide will be historically costumed. 

In addition to tours, the Bradley County Library plans to host a birthday party for the library on April 22 from 2 p.m. - 5 p.m. with more details on the event to come at a later date. The library also is planning a centennial tea party on May 13 at 5 p.m.. 

Later in the year, Bradley County Library will host a comiccon, a meet the author program, a centennial play and a storytelling festival. 

With 100 years of history, the Bradley County Library intends on making the year truly a memorable celebration.

“Working here is not just a job, I am a custodian of the past. The photographs, maps, family files, court records, microfilm newspapers, annuals, anything in the collection really, are the story of Bradley County. People come here for answers to the questions about the past to help them better understand what is happening in the present. There are many treasures and many secrets within these walls,” said Still.

Appreciation for the Bradley County Library spans behind the library walls as many students at Lee University take advantage of the library and its many resources. 

“Having such a free, accessible resource is a really important thing to have in the community,” said Jacob Sherman, Cleveland Bradley County Library employee. “I think it allows a community to grow and build on itself.”

With the Bradley County Library being in such close proximity to campus, as well as being a free resource after registering for a library card, many students use the library for research or a study spot.

Much of the architecture around Cleveland has a historical tie with the Craigmile family, adding to the rich history behind the Bradley County Library.

“Lasseter’s Coffee was actually the first coffee shop in the Bradley County Library. Our location downtown was originally an opera house that the Craigmiles family built,” said Matt Coleman, Cleveland resident and owner of Lassester’s Coffee Cafe. “The Craigmiles were the wealthiest family here.”

Whether Clevelanders use the library for reading, researching, studying or simply enjoying it’s historical significance, each branch of the Bradley County Library has been open for opportunities to everyone all over the county.

“I have always come to the library since I was a small child. I can remember having to stand tiptoe to turn the same door knob I turn every morning I come to work. This house is a special place,” said Still.

After 100 years, the Bradley County Public Library will use 2023 to honor the legacy the library has had on the community and the many residents that have gotten to appreciate its purpose.

To learn more about the Cleveland Bradley County Library and its history, click here.

To view the Bradley County Library’s schedule for their 100 year celebration, click here.