SoapBlog 1 - Celebrating your library
David Siders, Popular Library Manager

I love Cincinnati.  I love my job.  How incredible is it that my job embraces the City and community that I am so fond of?  I work at the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County as the Popular Library Manager at the Main Library.  Have you stopped in for a visit lately?  The Popular Library was designed to serve as a “branch library” for the Downtown community and beyond.  We provide an extensive collection of bestselling fiction, a wide array of film for all tastes, and one of the largest music CD collections I know of.  My department also provides novels in three-dozen languages, magazines for check out, popular nonfiction, and more. 

Sure, the Library provides an amazing array of books and materials, but we do so much more.  The Library makes a huge impact on the community.  For example, we have materials and free programs to help people improve their job skills, or to help people change gears and work toward a new career or job.  Further, the Library serves as that “third space,” an appealing destination where you can spend time in our great facilities and enjoy yet another asset to our beloved City.

Why else do I love my job?  Since my department carries the full range of subjects and library materials related to popular culture, I am responsible for helping to develop programs and events that meet the demand and interests of our community.  What’s next? I am really excited about our upcoming “green living” programs that will offer tips and inspiration on living an eco-friendly lifestyle.  Watch for events featuring Cincincinnati Bike/PAC—the bicycle advocacy group, a discussion of the Locavore food movement, and a three-part summer series on urban gardening.

Main Library Celebration - April 18
The big news I want to share with you is a fantastic celebration of the Main Library coming up on Saturday, April 18.  You’re invited to join us for a party marking the one-year anniversary of the renovation and improvements of the Library, as part of our Main Library for the 21st Century initiative.  We have worked hard to improve the Main Library in order to better meet the needs of our community.  There are now more computers and more technology for community use than ever before.  Don’t miss the Genealogy & Local History Department with the Cincinnati Room—a repository of fascinating materials that celebrate our City’s history.  Right now there’s an intriguing exhibit honoring Abraham Lincoln’s bicentennial that includes a flag that decorated Lincoln’s carriage when he visited Cincinnati on his birthday, February 12, 1861. Did you know that we also have Homework Central that helps kids achieve in school?  There’s even a new department just for teens called TeenSpot!

The big bash at the Main Library will be held on April 18, from 1-4 PM.  Join us for special activities celebrating not only the first year success of "Main Library for the 21st Century" but also the “busiest library building in the U.S.” and what CityBeat named the city's “Best Public Institution.”  Enjoy fun and informative programs throughout the building, games, and free refreshments.  Pick up your passport and visit each department; get your passport stamped at the service desk in at least four departments to be eligible to win prizes, including MP3 players, memory sticks, a bicycle and more! 

Of all the activities and events offered that day, I am especially excited about the program A Cincinnati Hero, that takes a closer look at the amazing, prolific architecture of Samuel Hannaford, architect of City Hall and Music Hall, and so many other buildings that help make our historic city memorable.  Did you know that the 1950s era Main Library building in the International Style was built in part by Samuel Hannaford’s sons?  This program was developed as a partnership between the Popular Library and the Genealogy & Local History Department, and has been really fun to put together.  I can’t wait to learn more, as historian Betty Ann Smiddy discusses her research on Hannaford, with plenty of photos to enjoy.  Also, a local family who is restoring a Hannaford-designed home will discuss their progress of renovation, and share photos.

For more information on the Main Library's Anniversary Celebration including a detailed breakout of the day's events click here.