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New book chronicles the history of Cincinnati's Public Library
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A view of the main hall of the former Public Library,
circa 1954, from Free & Public.
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Can't imagine the PUBLIC LIBRARY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY closing its doors? Well, it almost did. On more than one occasion. But the library had champions fighting to keep those doors open, such as James Albert Green who took out a personal loan of $180,000 in 1933 for the sole purpose of sustaining library operations. Without folks like Green supporting its mission, the library wouldn't be celebrating its 150th anniversary on March 14. To commemorate the feat, author JOHN FLEISCHMAN has culled together photos, stories and general history for FREE & PUBLIC: ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY YEARS AT THE PUBLIC LIBRARY OF CINCINNATI & HAMILTON COUNTY 1853-2003. Who knew that a source of information and serenity, a building that virtually doubled its size with a major expansion in 1997, has led such a tawdry and sordid existence? In his research, Fleischman uncovers gems like librarian Thomas Vickers who stabbed himself repeatedly with his own acid pen or philanthropist Andrew Carnegie's back-handed gift of nine branch libraries. Fleischman covers the beloved institution from a variety of angles, splitting his trek through time into chapters exploring construction, administration, expansion and collections among others. And then there are all those classic photos from way-back-when. You know, the ones taken before computers were a mainstay of the library. As part of the big celebration, which includes art exhibits detailing the library's history, its influence on children and its ties to Andrew Carnegie, Fleischman will discuss and sign his book at 7 p.m. Tuesday at ... uh ... Joseph-Beth Booksellers. (Go figure.) For more information, call the Main Public Library at 513-369-6900 or Joseph-Beth at 513-396-8960. ... What lurks below Loch Ness? Ohio author K.P. MALOY thinks he knows and he wants to share it with readers. And here's the real kicker -- he's doing it for free. Yup. In one of the strangest, yet most appreciative, marketing ploys to come along, Maloy has provided free copies of his effort, THE WATER WITCHES: LOCH NESS, at his Web site, www.thinkingmanshorror. com. In addition to the novel, Web site visitors can also enjoy Maloy's short stories which, while relating to the novel, ultimately serve as stand-alone works. Maloy uses the supernatural to thrust his tales along without having ghosts or goblins, or in this case witches and the Loch Ness Monster, take center stage. Of course, the biggest mystery might be why he's prompting his wares for free.
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Previously in Writer's Block
Writer's Block The word for Annie Ruth's outreach program is "read."
By Brandon Brady
(January 15, 2003)
Writer's Block Northern Kentucky high school writers get published
By Brandon Brady
(January 1, 2003)
Writer's Block Local authors offer merry treats for the holidays
By Brandon Brady
(December 5, 2002)
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Whirlygig 62: Out On The Town Poets prove passé as the reality of shopping hits (January 29, 2003)
Changing the World Cincinnati's Harriet Beecher Stowe to be remembered (January 29, 2003)
Whirlygig 61 Casting a line on bonefishing (January 22, 2003)
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