Who-Dey! 9 Ways the Library Can Help You Cheer on the Super Bowl-Bound Bengals

Written by Joe Armstrong, Content Specialist, Marketing, Downtown Main Library

The Cincinnati Bengals are heading to Super Bowl LVI to face the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, February 13. It’s been 33 years since Cincinnati fans have been able cheer on our team in an NFL championship. But there’s no need for a last-second “Hail Mary” attempt at rooting on the Bengals. The Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library has everything die-hard fans and bandwagoners alike need to help bring the Lombardi trophy back to the Queen City.

It’s only fitting that we share nine ways to show your Cincinnati spirit in honor of standout Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow:

1. Brush up on Cincinnati Bengals history with help from the Library's Genealogy and Local History Department, opens a new window.

Learn about Bengals legends and relive the glory days of the 1981 and 1988 teams reaching the Super Bowl with CHPL's extensive newspaper collection, available through our Digital Library, opens a new window.

2. Show your support with book spine poetry.

Use your Library card to borrow materials from CHPL and arrange them for an inspirational gameday centerpiece (or share a photo online to start some friendly banter with friends in Los Angeles!). With over 12 million items in the Library’s collection, there are countless ways to talk a big game! Be sure to tag the Cincinnati Library if you share your photos on social media.

3. Being in a good headspace is everything in high-pressure moments.

Think of Bengals kicker Evan McPherson, who nailed multiple, game-winning field goals to help clinch Bengals victories all season long. Join us on Instagram on Feb. 7 at 9 a.m. when we host mindful movement practitioner and Reiki master Ian Timothy Forsgren for 30 minutes of peaceful meditation.

4. Visit one of our 41 locations.

Everyone knows the Jungle at Paul Brown Stadium is so difficult for opposing teams because of the passionate Cincinnati Bengals fans – many of whom are your library staff! Visit one of our 41 Library locations ahead of the big game and see our spirit first-hand when you ask for Bengals- and football-themed materials.

5. Get crafty, Bengals-style.

Learn how to paint your own Bengals sign, spruce up your football watch party’s food, or even stitch your own Bengals spiritwear by watching lessons on CreativeBug, opens a new window. Available to all cardholders, CreativeBug has thousands of award-winning video classes taught by top designers and artists, all free with your library card.

6. Check out our staff picks.

Even the pros need to brush up on the rules of football sometimes. Be ready for the big game and explore football and Cincinnati Bengals materials through lists created by library staff. For our youngest fans, this book list, opens a new window is sure to have your kids showing their stripes! And don’t miss these sports-themed graphic novels, opens a new window picked just for teens.

7. Let your imagination come to life with the Library’s MakerSpaces, opens a new window. 

With printers, button-makers, Adobe software, and more, there are no limits to how you can bring your Bengals spirit – take it from this library customer Jordan, who customized his car into a Who Dey-mobile with our vinyl printer!

8. Complete the Library's Winter Checkout Challenge.

Cincinnati is a city of champions. Look no further than the AFC Championship trophy in its new home at Paul Brown Stadium. Become a champion yourself just for using the Library. Complete five Winter Checkout Challenge, opens a new window activities by Feb. 25 and you could win a grand prize!

9. Follow the Library on social media.

Share your support by following the Library’s social media accounts as we face off against the Los Angeles Public Library, opens a new window. There’s plenty of competition on – and off – the field, and in libraries, too!

How do you plan on showing your support ahead of the Big Game with the Library? What is your prediction for the final score? Let us know by commenting below!