Andrew Venable (1944-2016), Cleveland Public Library Director
Everyone here at the Cleveland Public Library is sad to learn of the passing of our former Director, Andrew Venable. Mr. Venable worked at the Cleveland Public Library for a total of 24 years, and became the Library’s first African-American Director, serving from 1999 until 2008. We would like to share some of our favorite photos of him.
The first photo is from when Mr. Venable first started at Cleveland Public Library in the early 1970′s. At that time, he was the Business Manager. He held several more positions after that, including Head of Community Services, where he is pictured in the next photo.
Next is a photo of the reopening of the East 131st Street Branch, with Library Director, Dr. Ervin Gaines, Mr. Venable, Mrs. Gaines and Deputy Director Marian Huttner, January 1979.
Mr. Venable is sworn in as Library Director by Congressman Louis Stokes, June 4, 1999.
Director Venable in front of the Main Branch of the Cleveland Public Library, 1999.
Deputy Director Venable leads the Cleveland Public Library Chorus in a holiday celebration, 1998.
President Clinton announces the Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Plan at the Cleveland Public Library on March 13, 2000.
Director Venable at the opening of the Teen Center at the Collinwood Branch, February 2, 2006.