Join the effort to support the Michael Schwartz Library
CSU’s center of research, learning & creativity, focused on student success
The Michael Schwartz Library is the heart of Cleveland State’s campus. We provide
students and faculty with research resources, study spaces, expert guidance, and the
technology they need to succeed. While no one has ever graduated from the library, no
one at CSU has ever graduated without our resources!
Your gift directly impacts student success by supporting collections, technology,
facilities, and personalized support. We invite you to support what matters most to you.
LIBRARY UNRESTRICTED FUND: AREA OF GREATEST NEED
This flexible fund gives us the ability to meet the rapidly changing needs of students and
faculty. Your support ensures the library can respond strategically to immediate
priorities and new opportunities.
Current initiatives:
- Technology & Equipment: From computers and software to cameras and recording equipment, students depend on library technology every day. Help us keep pace with evolving academic needs by upgrading computers, expanding software licenses, and acquiring new equipment that supports learning and research.
- Information Resources: Books, journals, videos, and datasets are the foundation of teaching, learning, and research at CSU. Our carefully curated collections, built in close collaboration with faculty, provide students with the credible, scholarly sources they need to excel in their coursework and research.
- Textbook Center (Affordable Learning Initiative): This vital safety net provides free access to high-cost required textbooks for 2-hour loans. What began with 30 textbooks in 2017 now includes hundreds of items, helping students who might otherwise drop classes due to textbook costs. To date we have saved students over $2 million.
Success Story: Alumna Virginia McFrederick’s generous legacy created our McFrederick Group Study Center—a beautiful suite of study rooms that has become one of the library’s most popular spaces for collaborative learning.
CURRENT PRIORITY: Special Collections & Cleveland Memory
Cleveland Memory welcomes nearly 750,000 researchers annually. Your contribution
helps us grow, preserve, and digitize unique local history collections that inform
students, broaden awareness of Cleveland State, and serve the greater community.
Our current initiative: Digitize historic runs of CSU’s student newspapers, The
Cleveland Stater and The Cauldron. These publications document decades of student
life, campus events, and the university’s evolution. Making them searchable online will
preserve student voices and provide invaluable primary sources for researchers
exploring CSU’s history and Cleveland’s academic community. Your gift helps save these
irreplaceable campus treasures for future generations.
CURRENT PRIORITY: Friends of the Michael Schwartz Library
The Friends of the Library is an independent organization that supports the library
through events like book discussions, book sales, and author talks. These programs
engage both the University and broader communities, fostering cultural and intellectual
exchange.
The Friends welcome monetary gifts and book donations, particularly materials with
strong Cleveland connections.
Make Your Gift Today
Every donation—large or small—makes a difference for CSU students. Join us in
ensuring that the Michael Schwartz Library continues to provide the resources, spaces,
and support that leads to student success.
Designate your gift to:
Michael Schwartz Library Annual Fund
Library Special Collections
Friends of the Library Discretionary
