A Publication of the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County
Hyde Park woman downloads the 10 millionth item from the Library’s Overdrive app! Why she loves the Library.
Summer 2019 • Volume 27 • Issue 3
Summer Adventure starts soon!
Vinyl records make a big comeback at the Library!
The information you need to make this the best summer ever is inside this issue.
Why people are rediscovering the original album format.
Director’s Message PAULA BREHM-HEEGER Eva Jane Romaine Coombe Director
Like so many people in our community, our Public Library and summertime are linked in my heart and mind. Growing up within walking distance of the Delhi Branch Library, I spent many summer days at the Library and the adjacent park. Likewise, swimming for the Cincinnati Recreation Commission’s swim team at Western Hills High School, I spent many afternoons at the pool and the nearby Overlook Library (relocated and now known as the Covedale Branch Library). I re-read many of my favorite books during those summer months and discovered new titles every year. Susan Cooper, John Christopher, and lots of other science fiction authors topped my reading list. I still recall these stories in vivid detail. The time honored tradition of the Library being a major part of young people’s summertime has expanded greatly since my youth. Now our summer program includes reading as well as cultural and learning activities for everyone. This year, the Library will again present Summer Adventure for customers of all ages, supporting customers in their reading and enrichment activities throughout the summer while offering many opportunities to stay engaged with the Library. Starting June 1, participants can pick up their Summer Adventure passport, a free book, and their first check-in prize at any Library location. Using the passport as a guide, Summer Adventurers can record their reading and learning activities, and check in at the Library once a week to earn additional prizes. Each week has a theme to serve as a guide for fun and engaging activities to encourage learning all summer. These themes include Exploring the
Arts, Pop Culture, Maker & Technology, Science, Your Neighborhood, Nature, Games and Sports. We will also again offer Summer Meals and Snacks at the Main Library and 15 branch locations by partnering with UMC Food Ministries and Mt. Healthy City Schools. We are also partnering with Cincinnati Public Schools to help cross-promote meal service options to ensure children are aware of all meal sites and serving times in their communities. And the summer is a great time to make sure skills learned throughout the school year remain sharp, including the important STEAM skill set. We’ll do all we can to support this by offering programs specially designed to provide opportunities for students to explore STEAM through hands-on activities. Summer enrichment opportunities such as these help battle summer learning loss and prepare students to start school in the fall ready to learn. You can read more about all of our summer plans in this issue.
“With so much going on I am confident that users will find much to love in our Library this summer just as I always have. I look forward to seeing you at the Library this summer!”
Library wins award for Level Up workforce development initiative The Southwest Ohio Region Workforce Investment Board recently awarded the Library a Super Outreach award. The board recognized the Library for an initiative to bring workforce development classes to many of the Library’s 41 locations. The classes are taught by Ohio Means Jobs. They help people learn how to find a better job, beef up their resume, and answer tough interview questions. The classes are part of an overall workforce development initiative by the Library called Level Up. It includes one-onone appointments with a Librarian and online job help by chat. There are also classes in coding and other business skills available through Treehouse and Lynda.com. It’s all free with a Library card.
SATURDAY PASSPORT
SERVICE EXPANDS Just in time for the summer travel season, the Library added Saturday passport service to two locations. You can now get a passport on Saturdays at the Corryville and the Symmes Township branch libraries. The passport service is by appointment only. Customers should call the branch to make an appointment. Saturday passports are also available at the Anderson and Harrison branch libraries. The Main Library will continue to offer both appointment and walk-in service. Photo service is also available at all five locations. For more information and to make an appointment, visit cinlib.org/passport.
Library seeks community input to guide facilities projects In February, the Library officially kicked off its Facility Master Plan project with the first meeting of our newly formed Community Advisory Council. The group of more than 50 community leaders will meet five times throughout 2019 to help guide the development of the Facility Master Plan. The Plan, when it’s completed in December 2019, will provide the Library with a road map for how best to use levy funds to improve our 41 locations and better meet the evolving needs of Cincinnati and Hamilton County residents. Back in December 2018, the Library’s Board of Trustees selected six key principles to guide the project: maximize access, transparency, customer focus, operational sustainability, industry-leading excellence, and diversity and inclusion. Helping us ensure that we keep these principles at the forefront of our work is a variety of local partners, including Brown Engineering & Construction, Champlin Architecture, Design Impact, elevar, and FTC&H. Group 4 Architecture, Research + Planning is coordinating the work of these groups and overseeing the development of the Plan. In addition to the Community Advisory Council, the Library is connecting with community members in many ways. We’ll use community listening sessions, focus groups, and surveys. The goal for the life of the Facility Master Plan project is to hold 15 focus groups and at least one listening session for each Library location. Most of these sessions, which are open to the public, will take place during the summer. As the sessions are scheduled, they’ll be posted on the event calendar at CincinnatiLibrary.org.
The Plan will guide the Library’s facilities work for the next 10 years. Funds from the 1 mill levy, which passed in May 2018, will become available in annual installments of $19 million, for a total of $190 million. This 10 year facilities work is being called Building the Next Generation Library. We invite you to vote for a logo for this initiative between now and June 1 by visiting surveymonkey.com/r/NextGenerationLibrary. The Library recognizes that facilities which are not accessible to those with mobility challenges need immediate attention. We contracted with FTC&H to begin improvements on the Madisonville, Price Hill, and Walnut Hills branch libraries in 2019. Price Hill was deemed the highest priority, due to a partial ceiling collapse in 2018. The Library expects to break ground on a renovation and expansion project in the fall of 2019. Multiple community engagement sessions have been held in Price Hill, and FCT&H is currently using that feedback to come up with design concepts. We are looking forward to listening and learning from the community throughout 2019. The success of reenvisioning Library facilities and services for the next generation of Hamilton County residents depends on having a strong understanding of the needs and wants of every segment of the community. For questions about the project, contact David Siders, Civic Engagement Coordinator, at david.siders@cincinnatilibrary.org or learn more by visiting Cinlib.org/cincylibraryproject.
VINYL RECORDS
make a comeback with Library cardholders It seems counter-intuitive in the digital age, but the Library recently put its extensive collection of vinyl albums front and center again. The records can be found at the Main Library’s Popular Library near the Vine Street entrance. Vinyl records can also be put on hold and sent to any of the branch libraries. “We are putting out vinyl again because people were asking for it,” said Leah Dudak, who works as a reference Librarian in the Popular Library. “With streaming being so accessible now, vinyl is something tangible. It gives you a reason to sit down and listen to a whole album all the way through. It makes it more of an event.” Dudak says many people feel like vinyl has a more natural and warmer sound. Fans of vinyl should check the Library’s online catalog, because the Library holds many albums in the stacks… too many, in fact, to display on the floor. “I am still exploring it myself,” said Dudak. “With the depth of the collection we have I am sure we will find some cool things. One of my favorites is Sound effects no. 24—Combat, which is an album full of combat sound effects. One track is called “a disturbance in the noodle shop!” You can place that album, and many more, on hold by searching the catalog at CincinnatiLibrary.org.
LIBRARY’S NEW BLOG IS NOW LIVE ON OUR WEBSITE There’s a new way for you to learn more about the Library. In March, we debuted a blog! There’s a link on the homepage of CincinnatiLibrary.org. There, you’ll find stories about the people who use the Library, new services, exciting events, and more. Subscribe to get weekly updates so you never miss a post. Visit CincinnatiLibrary.org to start reading.
HYDE PARK WOMAN DOWNLOADS 10 MILLIONTH ITEM FROM OVERDRIVE Something magical happened on Wednesday, Jan. 30 at about 6:30 p.m. It may have seemed like a typical weeknight to you. But one Hyde Park woman set a record by simply downloading an audiobook from the Library’s eBranch and Overdrive. 26 year old Catherine Wurtzler downloaded Half Magic by Edward Eager and earned a place in history by checking out the Library’s 10 millionth item on Overdrive. For her accomplishment, Wurtzler was invited to the Main Library to receive a certificate, a prize pack of Library swag, and Gold Star Chili gift cards, presented by the Eva Jane Romaine Coombe Director of the Library, Paula Brehm-Heeger. “I’ve had a Library card since I was five years old,” says Wurtzler. “I mainly use it to check out physical books, eBooks, and audiobooks. I’ve recently started listening to more audiobooks while driving to and from work. I like to read literary fiction, mystery and suspense novels, and fantasy. I also like to re-read childhood favorites.” You can download items in our eBranch by visiting CincinnatiLibrary.org/eBranch.
SUMMER ADVENTURE IS HERE! From June 1 until July 31, we’re making it easier than ever to read, explore, create, and earn prizes. Everyone can have fun, no matter your age.
HERE’S YOUR COMPLETE USER GUIDE!
Many children fall behind on math and reading skills during the summer, particularly if they are not exposed to learning opportunities. This is especially true for children in under-served communities. This phenomenon, known by educators as “summer slide” means that children from these communities are more likely to be two to three years behind their peers in their educational skills by the time they reach fifth grade. The Library created Summer Adventure as a way to bridge that learning gap for all children in Hamilton County. Our Librarians spend months setting up events, creating a curriculum, picking out prizes, and hiring and training staff. Summer Adventure goes a step beyond the traditional summer reading program to help make summer fun and give children support so they’re ready for school in the fall. Starting June 1, go to any Library location to get started on your Summer Adventure. On your first visit, you will receive a passport, a free book, a coupon for Coney Island, and a scratch card that will reveal your first checkin prize. Use your passport to track your reading and other summer activities. The Library encourages reading at least 20 minutes per day. Visit the Library weekly to check-in, show your progress, and get a new scratch card. Prizes include free books, coupons from local businesses and organizations, tickets for area attractions, and more! There is a limit of one prize per person per visit.
Summer Meals and Snacks Many Library locations will serve free meals and snacks to children ages 1–18 throughout the summer. That’s because one in five children in the state of Ohio does not know where their next meal will come from. Many of these children rely on school meals during the regular school year. But during the summer months, they have nowhere to turn. The Library’s meal service runs Monday–Friday from June 3–Aug. 16 (all Library locations are closed on July 4). People ages 19 through 21 who have been identified as having mental or physical disabilities and are following Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) through their current enrollment in educational programs also are eligible for free summer meals. Be sure to check CincinnatiLibrary.org/SummerAdventure after May 15 for exact locations and times for the Library’s summer meals and snacks programs.
STEAM Adventures: Space Cadets Explore the wonders of space through hands-on STEAM activities. We’ll celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon Landing with activities developed as part of the NASA @ My Library initiative.* These fun events focus on space, science, and astronomy. They include hands-on learning for small groups. The events are divided by age: Grades 1 and 2, and Grades 3 through 5. They happen at all Library locations and last 90 minutes. You must register your child. **
SHARE YOUR ADVENTURE AND TAG US @CINCYLIBRARY
NASA @ My Library: Space Day Tour the universe through virtual reality and enjoy other hands-on crafts and activities. All ages welcome. Registration is not required. This event is presented as part of the NASA @ My Library grant initiative.* Walnut Hills Branch Library Wednesday, July 17, 2–3:30 p.m. Madeira Branch Library Thursday, July 18, 2–3:30 p.m. Main Library Saturday, July 20, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Harrison Branch Library Saturday, July 27, 10:30 a.m.–Noon *The NASA @ My Library project is led by the National Center for Interactive Learning at the Space Science Institute. Partners include the American Library Association (ALA) Public Programs Office, Pacific Science Center, Cornerstone of Science, and Education Development Center. NASA @ My Library is made possible through the support of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Science Mission Directorate as part of its STEM Activation program.
Brain Camps and Adventure Labs Prevent the Summer Slide and keep your child’s brain active this summer. These interactive events last one week at the branch libraries and are geared to children in Grades 1–5. There are eight Brain Camps at the Main Library and these camps are for children of varying ages. Registration is required for all Brain Camps.**
Adventure Lab and Jr. Adventure Labs are a new event designed for kids who might not have access to summer camps or learning opportunities. They’re divided by age: Grades 1–5 can attend a Jr. Adventure Lab and Grades 6–8 can attend an Adventure Lab. More info on these are available at CincinnatiLibrary.org/Summer Adventure.
**Registration for Brain Camps and STEAM Adventures: Registration will open four weeks (or 28 days exactly) before each event, to the minute. So, if a Brain Camp is scheduled for June 5 at 2 p.m., registration will begin on May 8 at 2 p.m. You can see when registration opens for each event by clicking on the Brain Camp or STEAM Adventure program you are interested in. The registration open date will be included in the event information. Find out everything you need to know about Summer Adventure at CincinnatiLibrary.org/SummerAdventure.
SPONSORED BY
Celebrate Cincinnati’s baseball heritage with historic exhibit at Main Library This year, Cincinnati celebrates the 150th anniversary of the first professional baseball team, the Cincinnati Reds. The team debuted boldly in 1869, winning every one of their 57 games. The Genealogy & Local History Department at the Main Library is marking this important anniversary by partnering with the Cincinnati Reds Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum to produce an exclusive exhibit. This exhibit will be on display in the Joseph S. Stern, Jr. Cincinnati Room on the third floor of the Main Library. Visitors will see many items from both organizations’ collections. These tell the story of the Cincinnati Reds baseball club from its beginning in 1869 to its present day team. During their illustrious history, the Reds won five World Series championships and produced players who are now enshrined in the Baseball Hall of Fame. The Cincinnati Reds of the 1970s, nicknamed The Big Red Machine, are considered one of the greatest teams in the history of professional baseball. This year is also significant for the 100th anniversary of the infamous 1919 World Series championship won by the Cincinnati Reds over the Chicago White Sox. It was later discovered the game was tainted by the influence of gamblers on several of the White Sox players. And 2019 will be the last year that Reds fans will hear the voice of long-time broadcaster Marty Brennaman. He is retiring after 46 years of announcing games for the Reds. The exhibit will be on display until Sunday, July 28. Find out more at cinlib.org/exhibits.
Library posters from the Gilded Age on display at the Taft Museum of Art At the turn of the 20th century, traveling actors, illusionists, and theatrical producers used brilliantly colored outdoor advertisements to promote their live performances. Some of these posters from the Library’s collection are on display at the Taft Museum of Art as part of their exhibit, Magic and Melodrama. See posters created in Cincinnati by the Strobridge Lithographing Company for stage productions of The Wizard of Oz and Peter Pan. The posters can be viewed in the Museum’s Stinton Gallery through Sunday, Aug. 18. You can get free admission passes to the Museum using the Library’s Discovery Pass service. For more information, visit cinlib.org/discoverypass.
Friends’ executive director retires after lifetime of service to Library Anne Keller has dedicated her life to libraries. From her early work as reference librarian at the Main Library to her role as Executive Director of the Friends of the Public Library, Keller has made it her mission to support libraries. She retired from her leadership position with the Friends on March 31. Anne began work at our Library in 1975 in the former Education & Religion Department. In 1984, she worked as administrative assistant to then-director James R. Hunt. In 1987, she became the Library’s Public Relations Director. She played a role in the creation of this publication, Library Links, among other accomplishments. In 1992 she left the Library to raise her family. But six years later, she began volunteering with the Friends. “It was fun to be part of the growing enterprise,” recalls Keller. “Membership grew, book sale revenues
increased, more volunteers were added and the staff grew to today’s eight part-time employees.” Anne took over as Executive Director in 1999. Under her leadership, the Friends expanded sales and raised $100,000 in seed money for the Library Foundation. The group also raised $3.2 million to support events, services, and collections at the Library.
“Besides the Board, staff and volunteers, I will miss the customers whose faces I have seen for so many years,” – Keller. “I will miss the sense of satisfaction I observe when a customer finds just the right book or recording, and the joy on a child’s face when she has obtained a book of her very own.” The Library thanks Anne Keller for her service and dedication and wishes her a wonderful retirement.
The Friends’ June Book Sale Last year The Friends’ June Book Sale moved home to their Hartwell location after many memorable years downtown. The public’s response was overwhelmingly positive, and the outcome of the event was significant for the Library. The June Book Sale will again return to our permanent location, the Used Book Store at the Warehouse (8456 Vine St., 45216). Join us for this much loved and anticipated community event!
The dates and hours are as follows: Saturday, June 1, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Sunday, June 2, Noon–5 p.m. Monday–Thursday, June 3–6, 10 a.m.–7:30 p.m. Friday, June 7, 10 a.m.–7:30 p.m. 50 percent off for everyone! Saturday, June 8, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. BAG DAY! Find sale information and updates at Cincylibraryfriends.org.
Anderson Township Library Association
JUNE USED BOOK SALE Nagel Middle School, 1500 Nagel Rd. Friday, June 21, 10 a.m.–8 p.m. Saturday, June 22, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Sunday, June 23, noon–3 p.m.
Great deals and bargains! Rare books, cookbooks, used media, gardening books, puzzles, children’s books, fiction, and more. Checks and cash accepted; no credit cards please. Learn more about the sale and the work of ATLA by visiting Cincinnati Library.org/ATLA.
Thank you...
The Library is deeply grateful for the generosity of our community and welcomes gifts of all sizes. Your donations are essential to ensuring delivery of excellent Library services and the availability of the widest possible range of informational resources for all ages. For inquiries regarding contributions, please contact Staci Dennison, Thomas W. Jones Executive Director, at (513) 369-4595.
The following gifts were received between Nov. 1, 2018 and March. 31, 2019. For more information about donating to the Library Foundation, visit our website at CincinnatiLibraryFoundation.org. Memorials and Tributes
Mary Ann Rack in memory of Mark Potee
Mr. and Mrs. Phil Amato in memory of Ripley Ruffner-Weaver
Anthony J. Rein in honor of Gertude Gura
Cathleen Arnold in memory of Patricia Friedman
Monique Rothschild in honor of Kimber Fender’s Retirement
Antone Baioni in honor of Dave and Holly Poissant
Marlene Ryan in honor of Xolti Morgan
Mr. and Mrs. Melvin A. Bedree in memory of Jerome B. Kernan
Mr. and Mrs. Jerry W. Schoen in memory of Ruth Schoen-Cienek
Daniel Bellomo in honor of Lanaya Bellomo
Stephanie Sepate in memory of Barbara Wanstrath
Colette Brehm in memory of Beth Wittich
Stephanie Sepate in memory of Mary (Bruce) Reed
Joanna Brown in honor of Dr. Susan Gregson and Dr. Frank Ridgeway
Ann Shinkle in honor of Raymond J. Hils
Carol Burnett in honor of Loveland Branch Staff
Patricia W. Slavey in memory of James H. Slavey
Kassy Corken in honor of Betty’s Special Birthday Julie Courtney in memory of Emma Elizabeth McCoy Kimberly Dechert in honor of Susan Brynteson Joan Deener in honor of Anne Sawyer Joseph Dehner and Noel Julnes-Dehner in honor of Kimber Fender’s Retirement Holly and Todd DeRosa in memory of Patricia Payne Patricia A. Dissett in memory of Mary Blum Anita L Freeman in honor of The Paul Linden Family Dr. and Mrs. Steven Gores in honor of Margaret H. Gores Judith Green and Tom McDonough in honor of Karen Zaugg Dr. and Mrs. William D. Hardie in memory of Clifford Hardie Don Hild in memory of Geraldine Hild Lynn Himburg in memory of George Scanlon Walter C. Hulon in honor of Julia St. Pierre Mia Hutchinson-Shaw in honor of Miss Bennet Cast and Crew at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park King Studios in memory of Freddie King Janet L. Kramer in memory of Beulah Weppler J K Krupp in memory of Gurbachan Singh Shirley Kruse in memory of Betty Dolle Richard Lautenslager in memory of Jo Ann Lautenslager Dr. Duane Lewis in memory of George E. Furguson
David B. Siders in memory of Adam Canter Christopher Smith in memory of Gail Burkholz Robert A. Smith in memory of Bob Klosterman Gerri S. Strauss in memory of Tony Strauss Sharon B. Stuard in honor of Diane Wright Ashley Tubb in honor of Iris and Miles Cavitt’s seventh birthday Nadja Turek in honor of Alan Heitner William W. Victor in memory of Charlie Anness Jeffrey P. Waltz in honor of Anne Keller Dr. and Mrs. David Wiltse in memory of Eugene P. Ruehlmann Nancy Windes in memory of Mr. and Mrs. W.E. Windes Sharon Adair, John Ahlrichs, Loretta Brenkert, Ervin Cable, Katie Chao, Ray Clarke, Cathi Dahl, Betty Dandrea, Anthony and Tracey Dow, Rosa Eakins, Phylllis and Mark Gronauer, Patricia and Michael Hollstegge, Eugene and Nancy Jacob, Robbie Jennings Michels, Marie Ketterman, Rose Mary Lower, Mr. & Mrs. Robert Lower, Jill McDavid, Julie Payne, Megan Pfaltzgraff, Lois Ross, Leslie Salka, Ms. Nancy D. Sauer, Mary Scheper, Patricia Simmons, Marilyn Simpson, Mary Sunderhaus and Jen Holthause, The John Sutter Family, DeAnne Vallo, Janice Vogeler, Mary Anne Wehrend, Barry Whitton, Todd Wright, Anthony and Wanda Yachnis, Communications Construction Group, LLC, Prince Telecom, LLC, Applied Imagination Ltd, Ervin Cable Construction, LLC, and TCS Communications, LLC in memory of Judith A. Dowd
Leigh E. Lies in honor of Elia and Weston Lies
Pet Memorials
Madisonville Roundtable Book Club in memory of Bob Naugle
Cathie Arnold in memory of Scampi, beloved pet of Shelly Sargent
Peggy Ann Markstein in memory of Helene Cohen
Covedale Branch Library in memory of Charlie Kallmeyer, beloved pet of Karen Kallmeyer and in memory of Kia, beloved pet of Sheila Ward
Lindsay Nichols in honor of Effie Schehl Mr. and Mrs. Joseph A. Pichler in honor of Joe and Mary Stern Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County in memory of Patricia M. Mulllen
Blueberry Bear Tales in memory of Shaman beloved dog of Deborah Sandoval Chuck Brown and Linda Seiter in memory of OBI beloved pet of
Mike Bath
Baker and Matt Feldman
Ron and Jackie Fite in memory of Rosie beloved pet of The Melchers
Kathy Taylor in memory of Junie B. Jones beloved cat of Jessica Bowman
Ginger and Pam Gandy in memory of Zoey, beloved pet of the Pascal Family
Jenna Thorn in memory of Darcy, beloved pet of Sharon and John Serra
Kristen and Chris Gruber-Greene in memory of Belle, beloved pet of Nick and K. Sorrell
John Voller in memory of Jonah, beloved dog
Carolyn Gutjahr in memory of Boo, beloved pet of Kevin, Jen, and Leah Quinn and in memory of Sophie, beloved pet of Suzy Quinn Kelly Hartman in memory of Sammy beloved pet of Gina Brock Mary Ellen Kelley in memory of Gabby Goebel, beloved pet of Robert Goebel Janet Langhorst in memory of Booey, beloved dog Patty and Brad Lenning in memory of Kitty Awesome beloved cat of Katie Timmins
Befriend A Branch Jeffery and Paula Alford in memory of Mariann Bybee for the Harrison Branch Library Anonymous for the Mt. Washington Branch Library Donald Baker and Roy Hardison in memory of Betsy Black for the Clifton Branch Library Roger Byrum for the Green Township Branch Library Cecil Garrison for the Oakley Branch Library
Justin Martinelli in memory of Titus and Chase, beloved pets of Brooke Bolton
Debbie Hansell in memory of Steve Hansell for the Harrison Branch Library
Sally Moffitt in memory of Jasper, beloved pet of Susan Cohen
Cynthia Kuhr for the Harrison Branch Library
Eileen Pieczona in memory of Flat-Coated Retrievers, in memory of Juno, and in memory of Those Loving Fur-Babies
Denise McElwain in memory of Betsy Black for the Clifton Branch Library
John R. Reusing in memory of Mia, beloved pet of Lauren Peters and in memory of Farley beloved dog of Tony, Jennifer and Joe Raabe
Dennis Morand for the Westwood Branch Library
Margaret and John Rieger in memory of Chloe beloved dog of Anni and E. Kappes
V’Ann Ryther and Linda Norwell for the Mt. Washington Branch Library
Josh and Gwen Roth in memory of Brutus Malott, beloved pet of Ryan and Gina Malott Joshua Roth in memory of Pat, beloved pet of Mike Sarow Jenna Schmitz in memory of Quincy Young-Kanet, beloved pet of Jennifer Young and in memory of Leroy Lenning, beloved dog beloved pet of Patty Lenning
Ann C. Regan in memory of Beulah Weppler for the Deer Park Branch Library
Dr. J. Tracy and Mrs. Sally Schreiber for the Clifton Branch Library Tim Shay for the Deer Park Branch Library Kathy Wise for the Deer Park Branch Library
Betsy and Paul Sittenfeld in memory of Chevy beloved dog of Julie
SAV E T HE DATE MARY S. STERN LECTURE SERIES PRESENTS
Bryan Stevenson founder and Executive Director of the Equal Justice Initiative
photo courtesy Nina Subin
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 2 AT 7 P.M. at The Aronoff Center for the Arts Stevenson is a widely acclaimed public interest lawyer who dedicates his career to helping the poor, incarcerated, and the condemned. Stevenson successfully argued cases in the U.S. Supreme Court and won a historic ruling that mandatory life-without-parole sentences for children ages 17 and younger are unconstitutional. He and his staff have won reversals, relief, or release for more than 125 wrongly condemned prisoners on death row. He is the author of the award-winning New York Times bestseller Just Mercy: A Story of Justic and Redemption. General ticket sales begin in early August. Watch CincinnatiLibrary.org for details. For more information on this speaker please visit www.prhspeakers.org. The Mary S. Stern Lecture is made possible through a generous endowment to the Library Foundation by the family of Mary and Joseph S. Stern, Jr.
Nonprofit Org. U.S. POSTAGE
Main Library 800 Vine Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202–2009 www.CincinnatiLibrary.org
PAID
Cincinnati, Ohio Permit No. 3221
TALES FROM THE ARCHIVES
DOCUMENTS TIED TO 15TH AMENDMENT FOUND IN LIBRARY’S COLLECTION Two documents recently discovered in the Library’s archives show how local African Americans celebrated the passage of the 15th Amendment. The Colored Citizens’ Jubilee was held April 4, 1870 in Cincinnati. The program outlining the day’s events, and a ribbon with the 15th Amendment printed on it was found in the Library’s collection. The amendment was ratified Feb. 3, 1870 to the United States Constitution. It prohibits the federal government and states from denying a citizen the right to vote based on that citizen’s “race, color, or previous condition of servitude.” The Jubilee featured prominent citizens giving speeches, reading proclamations, and prayer. The songs America, Blow Ye the Trumpet, Blow, and John Brown’s Triumph were sung. Among the resolutions printed on the back of the program are: “Resolved, By the colored citizens of Hamilton County, in mass meeting assembled, that we thanks the Great Omnipotent for working upon the hearts of the law-makers of this country, and filling them a love for, and causing them to mete out to all men equal and exact justice. … “Resolved, That Gen. Grant, the worthy President of the United States, has endeared himself to us by the loyal manner in which he has administered the affairs of Government, and by recognizing the ability, integrity and rights of colored men, by appointing them to high and responsible civil positions.” For a more in-depth glimpse into late 19th-century Cincinnati history, go to the Digital Library’s new collection of African American Society Columns at cinlib.org/africanamericansociety.
ALL LIBRARY LOCATIONS WILL BE CLOSED Monday, May 27, in observance of Memorial Day and Thursday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day.