Written by Liz Foreman, Brand Coordinator, Downtown Main Library
Happy 513 Day, Cincinnati! This made-up, just-for-fun holiday celebrates our town in association with our telephone area code, 513. Read on for some Cincinnati-themed things to do at the Library today, or any day.
1. Visit the Joseph S. Stern, Jr. Cincinnati Room: Checking out the Library's rare books and special collections on the third floor between the North and South Buildings is such a treat. Ask staff to see some of the Library’s oldest materials, including the Fontayne and Porter Daguerreotype of Cincinnati and the Audubon Birds of America. (Yes, they'll bring things out for you to examine. How cool, right?) Bonus: the glass cases walling the east side of the room host rotating exhibits celebrating the Library's extensive collection of books and ephemera.
2. Dig in at the Genealogy and Local History Department: If you're from Cincinnati or have roots here, you have a big advantage. CHPL has one of the best genealogy collections in the nation. The excellent staff will relish a great find with you. Visit the team on the second floor of the Downtown Main Library in person, or stop by one of the numerous free, upcoming events.
You can also stop by to uncover your house's history, leaf through old Cincinnati newspapers (or check them out digitally - the Library now has more than 100 searchable historical Cincinnati newspapers.
3. Start the Library Visit Challenge: Be like Lori and visit all 41 CHPL locations. If you reach them all on 513 Day, call us.
4. Take a musical trip on the Social Stairs: The Downtown Main Library's unique staircase features Cincinnati musicians. Better yet, stop by an upcoming Sunday on the Stairs performance.
5. Visit a Local Cultural Attraction with a Discovery Pass: Discover Cincinnati's great art, history, and more. Get free admission to 10 attractions with your library card.
6. This goes without saying...read a Cincinnati author! Are you aspiring to be an author yourself? Stop by an upcoming Writer-in-Residence event.
Cincinnati is loaded with talent, and here are a few more examples to prove it.
Check out these kids' books set in or about Cincinnati!
Oktoberfest, A Taste of Cincinnati, Skyline, LaRosa's, Graeter's, goetta ...Cincinnati has plenty of food and festivals to celebrate, so check out one of these local books from our collection!
History and memories
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