Friends of the Library Reinvent Themselves for a New Era 

Miranda Lentz, Marketing & Communication Coordinator for the Friends of the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County

As many people and organizations have, the Friends of the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County have changed considerably since the 2020 pandemic. They have forged a new path to success as they adapt to a future where books and the Library remain crucial. Before 2020, the bookstore in Hartwell, known as "The Warehouse," was mainly known as a yearly destination for its annual sale to stock up on books. Today the Friends' Warehouse is now open four days a week and entices browsers year-round with curated displays like new releases, Warehouse favorites, and seasonal features.

Visit the Friends' Warehouse at 8456 Vine St, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45216 and learn more about their store hours, donation hours, events, and more on their website.

Supporting the Library One Used Book at a Time

The Friends’ Warehouse also partners with local businesses to create fun bookish events, and social media to spread the word about The Warehouse. Many customers visit at least once a week to check out the new materials that are added daily. The Friends are grateful to their devoted following of book lovers who have stuck with the organization as they found what the next chapter of The Friends should look like.

Currently, the Friends has over 90 volunteers working seven days a week to ensure the Warehouse is restocked for shopping. The Warehouse also has designated donation hours every Wednesday from 10-2 at the garage door, with volunteers available to help unload any of the books or media so generously donated – allowing the Friends to find new homes for thousands of worthy books each week.

Alexia Loyanich, Executive Director of the Friends of the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County had this to say about the Friends’ volunteers, “We could not do what we do without the commitment of our volunteers. We have over 90 volunteers who show up weekly, ages 9-94, donating thousands of hours over the years to help ensure we can continue to support our amazing Library. I'm so proud of the way everyone has come together and has helped us come through the pandemic stronger than ever.”

The funds raised by selling the books, DVDs, puzzles and more at the Warehouse go to support services and programs that CHPL provides to the community. Paula Brehm-Heeger, CHPL’s Eva Jane Romaine Coombe Director says “Our Friends and their volunteers are incredibly special, and I’d like to extend my deep appreciation to them as part of National Friends of the Library Week. Their dedication to supporting the Library makes so much possible—from programs like Discover Summer and the Winter Checkout Challenge to helping with Customer Appreciation Days and more!”

If you ask Loyanich, she feels that the Friends' proudest accomplishment has been the appreciation and recognition they receive from their extraordinary customers. “We are honored to be a part of community members’ weekly plans and love seeing regular customers each week. Sales at the Warehouse have increased beyond what the Friends could imagine because of the tireless efforts of the Cincinnati community to promote literacy and support our award-winning Library system. Thank you to everyone who has stopped by The Warehouse in the past couple of years and we hope you continue to visit the Warehouse for a book-filled future.”

Visit the Friends' Warehouse at 8456 Vine St, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45216 and learn more about their store hours, donation hours, events, and more on their website.