Written by Mackenzie Manley, Content Specialist, Downtown Main Library
If you’ve done enough scrolling through TikTok or Instagram reels this December, you might have come across a niche trend: a call to “go analog” in 2026. That means physical media is getting love: DVDs, physical books, CDs, and more. (The irony of this being a social media trend isn’t lost on us!)
There’s no need to spend money if consuming more “analog” media is one of your 2026 goals. All you need is a Library card! Walk into any of our 41 branches across Cincinnati and Hamilton County and you’ll be met with a robust collection of physical media.
The Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library (CHPL) has over 4.4 million physical titles — including books, DVDs, and CDs — in our collection just waiting to be checked out.
Need help getting started? Here are a few ideas.
Pick Out DVDs for Your Next Movie Night!
Hey, movie nerds: The Library is the holy grail of DVDs. The days of video rental stores may be over, and big box chains may be ditching DVDs, but the Library has your back.
If you long for the days of strolling through Blockbuster and picking out the perfect flick for movie night, just head to your closet CHPL location.
You can find DVDs from every genre, including newer releases and throwbacks! Plus, many branches have curated displays to help make picking your next watch easier. You can also attend a Library movie night. Explore upcoming movie-related events!
The best part? You can check out up to 10 new release feature film DVDs and Blu-rays at a time. It may be 2026, but cheers to living like it’s 1996. Bonus: Ask Library staff for a movie rec. You can also find staff-made lists at chpl.org/movies-tv.
CDs? We Got ‘Em!
Whether you’re a purveyor of rock, jazz, or alternative, the Library’s collection includes CDs from a wide range of genres, decades, and interests. Head over to chpl.org/music for staff-curated lists. (And just like DVDs, you can find music displays at many branches!)
Take in the warm sounds of vinyl at the Cheviot Branch’s weekly Record Fridays event. Every Friday from 10-11:30 a.m., gather around the fireplace for a listening party! Light refreshments provided.
If you want to explore local music, head to the Downtown Main Library to climb the Social Stairs, which includes over 1,600 songs spanning genres and decades, from 1945 to 2023.
Each baluster of the Social Stairs lists an artist's name, a song or album title, and the year the song debuted. There are 31 colors featured on the Social Stairs, each representing a different genre.
And what’s more old school than live music? Sunday on the Stairs is a performance series held every last Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Downtown Main Library.
Books & Magazines
If you’re hoping to curl up with a book (with real pages!) in 2026, consider perusing your local branch. You can stack your reads high without the worry of spending money. Place holds via our app or website or take your chances and simply stroll through our stacks.
Our collection includes titles from across genres, interests, and age groups. Whether you’re looking for cookbooks, memoirs, horror, children’s literature, young adult fiction, manga, and more, the Library’s stacks are brimming with physical books just waiting to be picked up.
Keep an eye out for fun displays throughout our 41 branches highlighting titles from our collection! You can also join one of the Library’s book clubs to chat about reads with fellow bibliophiles.
You can also check out physical magazines, which pair perfectly with a morning cup of coffee and a donut — just like our grandparents enjoyed them.
The best part about picking up physical media at your Library? It’s free with a Library Card. Whether you’re fully analog, want to engage with more physical media, or content with the digital world, we can’t wait to serve you in 2026!
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