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    Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library

    4.3 (59 reviews)
    Closed 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

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    John B.

    This library has finally finished an extensive renovation. The new building is quite impressive, notable for its open construction. It really feels big inside, and though I expect the architectural plan may predate the COVID era, these public spaces make everyone more comfortable the more open air there is. There is plenty of seating and several levels. Some museum-style exhibits showcase various aspects of local culture. There were ample water fountain and restroom facilities. It's still a very public space with all sorts of people wandering in and out, but it is more welcome than the interim facility that was open here for a while.

    All work stations are safely distanced
    Damian M.

    The Library has been working throughout the pandemic, making every effort to stay safe and available. I am so very grateful that their Maker Space is back and running. The precautions are very reasonable, it is per appointment only (reservations are made on-line), with reduced time slots. There is a check-in desk where they verify your appointment. The stations are far apart and there is a lot of signage reminding to keep safe distance. Masks are compulsory at all times. The keyboards on shared spaces are covered with cellophane, and the chairs are now new and plastic, no cloth. All stations are sanitized by the Staff after each use. Some chairs were removed to allow for physical distancing. I feel very safe there. The Staff is amazing, always helpful and nice, despite the furloughs they suffered. Their book check outs are also working, the books are in quarantine for 4 days after drop, just to make sure the potentially contaminated paper is free if virus. They do an amazing job, serving us all with the highest safety standards. Thank you!

    Kathy V.

    Stopped in because we read about a Star Trek 50th anniversary "exhibit." Not exactly an exhibit, as I imagine the word...but a decent stop on our way to the City Flea. A couple of cutouts to take pictures with.... It is a big library branch. The bathrooms could be cleaner. And the wifi didn't work. ...meh...

    View to the west of the library from the 3rd floor.
    Peter B.

    One of the best libraries and library systems in the USA! There's an incredible selection of materials on hand. There are 2 entire floors stuffed with books, journals, etc. that are not even open to the public! On the rare chance they don't have what you're looking for, the library can obtain most anything through SearchOhio and OhioLink which access public and academic libraries across the entire state! There are some nice reading areas and lots of big windows bringing in light and providing views of the surrounding city. The genealogy and local history department is one of my favorites to visit. There is an amazing number of records available. Plus, in the library you have free access to the library version of Ancestry.com! There's street (metered) parking and also a parking garage just north of the library on 9th street. Well worth a visit.

    Outdoor secret garden
    Brad B.

    This place serves as the functional "Drop in Center" during the daylight hours. I wound not sit in any of the lounges or upstairs reading areas. However, they do have a great selection of hard to find videos; especially classic and foreign films - and they're cheaper than NetFlix.....because they're free.

    Daguerreotype view of Cincinnati
    Louise D.

    I just discovered today that in the library, you can go and check out the daguerreotype view of Cincinnati in 1848. Just go up to the third floor with the elevators and walk into the museum like corridor. You'll find a room with the big picture that Charles Fontayne and William S. Porter took on September 24, 1848. They essentially set up their camera on a rooftop in Newport and took up a picture in 8 plates. It is amazing to see how sharp the images are. I would dare to say that they are sharper than with our current cameras. Next to the original daguerreotype, there is a big touch screen which allows you to zoom into specific sections and learn more about different aspect of history (every day life, or culture, or economics). Every Cincinnati should come up here and check it out - it's such an amazing piece of history that I'm surprised that it isn't marketed more widely. Go and check it out!

    Alexandra K.

    The downtown branch of the Hamilton and Cincinnati public library is truly astounding. It's so big that it spans two city blocks and has a skywalk between the two! I don't want to be repetitive but the records collection here of your ancestors, first hand sources, and other various historical resources is really astounding. They have a decent movie and music selection, but I'd personally rather get things on netflix or online. That saves on the gas prices. The library itself is very spacious and has many activities to offer from book signings, lectures, and events from children. They have a cool theatre space upstairs in the children's department where the children's performances are. Always a good stop on your adventures downtown, whether its to look for a book or to just pass some time.

    The Library Friend's Shop #publiclibraryofcincinnati
    Tim M.

    It had been a while since I looked around the downtown library. For most services I go to my wonderful local library in Northside. I thought I remembered reading about a fotofocus event here. Upon entering a friendly smartly dressed associate was there to greet me. I asked about the fotofocus location. I was directed to the elevator or the nearby steps that go past the Library Friends' Shop. Before heading there I looked at the collectables exhibit in the main lobby. It never fails to disappoint. I opted to take the steps and to check out the shop. The clearance by the entrance immediately got my attention. Once inside I saw a nice variety of non book library themed gift merchandise and greeting cards as well as a big section filled with books for children of all ages. I was looking for some Christmas gifts for my grandson and niece and nephew but nothing seemed right. I then headed up toward the connecter. The fotofocus exhibit here is the Michael Wilson They Knew Not My Name, and I Knew Not Their Faces that runs until December 31st. There were striking black and white photos of ordinary families and individuals. I exited by walking over and going down the steps to the Children's department. This reminded me that they were talking about closing down this building and I'm not sure what the plans are at this time. We have a wonderful downtown library in Cincinnati with a great selection of books, movies, music cd's, newspapers, reference books and magazines. There is something for everyone here and the price is right because it is free to check practically everything out with a library card! Until next time be kind to each other. #yelpcincy #thepubliclibraryofcincinnati

    Garden outside

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    Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library-Hyde Park

    Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library-Hyde Park

    4.3(11 reviews)
    4.5 miHyde Park

    I've been here twice now and am so grateful for this little library! It's much smaller than I…read moreexpected, but I with so many libraries within the Cincinnati region, I'm sure you can find just about any book and get it via placing it on hold. -- So do plan ahead if you're trying to find a specific book, you may want to check out the online catalog first to track it down. The reason I first went in was to print some papers and I forget how many copies you can get for free, but you can get a good amount of not just black and white but also color! So helpful for this gal that does not own a printer. The staff has also been super friendly! To get a library card you'll have to first apply online for a temporary card and then make your way in to receive the physical copy. Again, staff is so helpful. The top level is the main (adult) section. I enjoyed the fun feature: "What your Neighbors are Reading". Downstairs there's a little fish pond and children's section. Parking lot is in the back and is again smaller, but fits for the size of the building.

    Free parking is available behind the library. The rear entrance is handicap accessible. It enters…read moreinto the children's section of the library. If using that entrance for the handicap accessibility, proceed all the way forward, that is where the elevators will be to take you to the regular library. There is also a night/after hours drop slot back there. The children's section is one of the cutest ones I have seen. There is a whimsical mural that wraps around the area. Various small chairs are peppered about, as are a selection of toys. Computers are available for children to play learning games. At the far end, (if standing at the rear entrance,) is a water feature. The small pond includes Koi fish. I am not fond of the fact that this branch is on multiple floors. We usually visit multiple sections of the library. Sometimes my older children will vist one area while my younger one and I visit another. When they are only an aisle or two away, I am comfortable with this arrangement. Having them be on separate floors I am not comfortable with. On the flip side, I can understand people who are visiting the library for a quiet place to work seeing this arrangement as preferable.

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    Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library-Hyde Park
    Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library-Hyde Park
    Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library-Hyde Park - Great Expectations the board book. For the advanced two year old.

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    Great Expectations the board book. For the advanced two year old.

    Kenton County Public Library

    Kenton County Public Library

    4.0(13 reviews)
    1.4 mi

    I am a local teacher, graduate student at NKU and have lived closely and visited this location for…read moreover a year now. Overall, I highly recommend this library. Here are my pros and cons: PROS -- fairly nice on the inside -- plenty of windows -- great study rooms -- lots of seating and tables around the building -- upstairs quiet area in the local history/genealogy for studying -- plenty of parking -- kind staff -- has security/local police on-site -- offers lots of resources and events for kids and families -- the staff has been doing a better job with ensuring that sketchy people stay out of the teen and kid areas CONS -- not the greatest location -- usually busy with quite a few sketchy people (my female friends don't like being alone here and I would not ever leave a child unsupervised here) -- cleaning needs to be increased a bit. This is probably because of how busy it is, but many times when I have been there have been quite a few dirty and/or sticky. -- I have had difficulty signing up for study rooms on Sunday at this particular location (but have been able to sign up fine for the Erlanger location) I hope this review helps someone (:

    LOVE THE LIBRARY it's one of My families Favorite places to go they have so much to offer and a lot…read moreof resources To take advantage of I definitely recommend the library to anyone of any all ages because they have something for everyone

    Photos
    Kenton County Public Library - When ya gotta study, get a room all to yourself.

    When ya gotta study, get a room all to yourself.

    Kenton County Public Library - Our tour guide telling a story about one of the houses.

    Our tour guide telling a story about one of the houses.

    Kenton County Public Library - My son lil Stevie and me @kenton county library

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    My son lil Stevie and me @kenton county library

    Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library - libraries - Updated May 2026

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