In December 2011 the Kelvin Smith Library acquired the Archives of the Cleveland Play House. Founded in 1915, the Cleveland Play House is America’s first professional regional theatre. The archives include correspondence, photographs, posters, legal and financial records, design drawings, audio and video tapes from the founding of the Play House through 2011.
During summer 2021 KSL announced it will receive the Karamu House collection. Karamu House is our nation’s oldest African American producing theatre. The collection -- which includes photographs, drawings, programs, posters and letters -- will be kept at the Kelvin Smith Library and accessible to the public for research, education and general interest.