Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County

E-books are not just popular, they are also quite costly for local libraries to offer their patrons.

The history and impact of Cincinnati's 60's-era underground paper, Independent Eye, is spotlighted in an exhibit and upcoming panel discussion at the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County. Mark Neeley is the force behind both, and he joins our David Delegator to discuss the importance of the paper, how his interest was piqued, and who will join the panel discussion on November 13.

Listen to Cincinnati Edition live at noon M-F. Audio for this segment will be uploaded after 4 p.m. ET.

As the celebration of King Records Month continues, Lee Hay has assembled a distinguished panel of organizers to discuss some upcoming events. Joining Lee are Sherry Glover Thompson, daughter of King Records legend Henry Glover; Darren Blase, co-owner of Shake It Records in Northside; and Christine Anderson, Associate Professor of History at Xavier University.

A free panel discussion, Syd Nathan & Henry Glover: Into the Light, is scheduled Sunday, 9/29 at 1:30pm in the Main Library downtown.  Panelists include moderator Christine Anderson, Darren Blase, Sherry Glover Thompson, and Steve Halper, Syd Nathan's nephew.

When the American transcontinental railroad was completed in 1869, it brought with it a major transformation to the United States. The railroad, which stretched 1,900 miles from the east to the Pacific Coast, drastically shortened what was a dangerous journey across the country. Often forgotten in this remarkable story are the nearly 20,000 Chinese workers who completed the West Coast segment of the railroad.

If there was any doubt that libraries would remain relevant in the digital age all you have to do is visit one of the many public libraries in Cincinnati to see how these institutions are evolving with the times to serve a vital role in our community. The hushed atmosphere of the quiet neighborhood branches is something of a thing of the past, and the role of the librarian is far more complicated and demanding than administration, cataloging and research. Today's libraries provide many social services from career counseling to help finding housing and mental health services.

For 55 years, the Rosie Reds organization has been supporting the hometown baseball team, first existing as a way of getting women interested in the game, and today includes men and community fundraising efforts. A program celebrating the Rosie (Rooters Organized to Stimulate Interest & Enthusiasm) Reds happens on June 22 at the main branch of the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, and joining John Kiesewetter with more are Dale Silver from the Rosie Reds and Brian Powers from the library.

Cincinnati’s rise in the film industry is well documented, but the latest movie to premiere after being shot here is unique: it’s actually set here, too. The Public, directed by Emilio Estevez and starring Alec Baldwin, Michael K. Williams, Christian Slater and other Hollywood stars, tells the story of a takeover of the downtown library by homeless men and women amid a brutal Midwestern cold front that puts local emergency shelters at full capacity. The sit-in leads to a long standoff involving a crisis negotiator, a district attorney and two librarians caught up in the middle of it all.

What do pinball, Uno, and the Magic 8 Ball have in common? One, they have just been inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame; and two, they all have their roots in Cincinnati. 

According to a 2015 Pew survey, over 90 percent of adults think of public libraries as "welcoming and friendly places," and about half have visited or otherwise used a public library in the last 12 months.

Cincinnati is ready to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the legendary King Records with more than 40 events around the community. 

For Black History Month: the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County will be celebrating the month with the theme African American Women in Cincinnati. 

Updated 5:55 p.m.

In a Dec. 20 memo to members of the Cincinnati Hamilton County Public Library Trustees a library committee recommends retaining ownership and re-purposing the North building instead of selling it. The trustees will also put a new levy on the May 2018 ballot. 

The newest Writer in Residence at the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County is a familiar name to young readers (and their parents), Emma Carlson Berne.