DJ lessons, pickleball, a Taylor Swift talk: Cincinnati library plans reopening festival

Ruth Cronin, Cincinnati Enquirer
·2 min read

After years of renovations at its main building, the Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library is hosting a three-day reopening celebration. Here are the highlights and what you need to know.

The events will go from July 12-14. The weekend will include live music, food trucks, library tours, story time and more.

The main entry way of the newly renovated Hamilton County Public Library South Building in downtown Cincinnati, off Vine Street. The South Plaza of the library was lowered to street level to create a safer Vine Street entrance.
The main entry way of the newly renovated Hamilton County Public Library South Building in downtown Cincinnati, off Vine Street. The South Plaza of the library was lowered to street level to create a safer Vine Street entrance.

On Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. the library will try to break the world record for the most library sign-ups in a day, according to its site. Sign up for your card and enjoy the reopening events at 800 Vine St. People of all ages are encouraged to join.

Here are a few standout events you'll want to know about

  • Friday, 2-4 p.m. | Live with Grammy-Nominated Children's Entertainer Zak Morgan.

  • Friday, 4-5 p.m. | Crosstown Readout with Athletes and Mascots from Xavier University and the University of Cincinnati.

  • Saturday, 10 a.m -12 p.m. | Nintendo Super Smash Tournament hosted by University of Cincinnati Football Players and the Cincinnati Fear.

  • Saturday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. | Pickleball with Cincinnati Tennis Foundation.

  • Saturday, noon-5 p.m. | Friendship Bracelet Making Station.

  • Saturday, 2-4 p.m. | How to Be a DJ with DJ Vader.

  • Saturday, 5:30-7 p.m. | "Taylor's Version: Why Taylor Swift Resonates" by Melissa Jacquart.

  • Sunday, 3-5 p.m. | Roller skating Performance with Skate Downtown Cincy.

See the full event schedule here.

What renovations were done to the library?

In December of 2017, the Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library's Board of Trustees decided a redesign to the main library to better meet customer needs, according to the library project page. Renovations began in 2019 and the project's estimated investment was $43.4 million.

The children’s area in the newly renovated Hamilton County Public Library South Building in downtown Cincinnati. The library renovation added more interactive spaces for children.
The children’s area in the newly renovated Hamilton County Public Library South Building in downtown Cincinnati. The library renovation added more interactive spaces for children.

Here are a few of the changes:

  • South plaza was lowered to street level, making a safer entrance on Vine Street.

  • New south building atrium skylight.

  • Replaced elevators.

  • New HVAC systems.

  • Redesigned meeting rooms and interactive areas for kids.

  • The new Catherine C. and Thomas E. Huenefeld Story Center.

  • Social stairs to connect the floors.

  • Outdoor plazas with public art.

  • Return of the book sculpture.

A book sculpture sits at the entrance of the newly renovated Hamilton County Public Library South Building in downtown Cincinnati, off Vine Street. This popular sculpture was removed during construction, but was preserved and has now returned for the reopening.
A book sculpture sits at the entrance of the newly renovated Hamilton County Public Library South Building in downtown Cincinnati, off Vine Street. This popular sculpture was removed during construction, but was preserved and has now returned for the reopening.

Learn more about the library construction process.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati Public Library plans reopening events after renovation

  • Up next
  • Up next
  • Up next
  • Up next
  • Up next
  • Up next
  • Up next