Written by Mackenzie Manley, Content Specialist, Downtown Main Library
We insist on being a library for all. All minds. All modes. All needs. More than 2.4 million visits are made to the Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library each year from customers in our diverse, vibrant, and unique neighborhoods. Our series Meet a Library Customer, opens a new window shares the stories that minds of all kinds have each day at CHPL.
Library cardholder Lori set out last September to visit all 41 Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library locations—with hopes to finish before her birthday in March. That goal recently came to fruition.
Like Lori, you can join CHPL’s Library Visit Challenge to explore all 41 library locations, with their own unique features, staff, and resources.
A "Breathtaking" Experience
Lori is a regular customer at the Anderson Township Branch, but the Library Visit Challenge allowed her to experience locations across the county, from communities nestled along the Ohio River to Cincinnati’s suburbs to the west and east sides, and everything in between.
In the Kids section of the Anderson BranchIn the Kids section of the Anderson Branch
At the Deer Park BranchAt the Deer Park Branch
At the Green Township BranchAt the Green Township Branch
Using the button maker at the Loveland Branch MakerSpaceUsing the button maker at the Loveland Branch MakerSpace
Outside the Price Hill BranchOutside the Price Hill Branch
"It’s so overwhelming when you look at the mass amount of places," Lori says. "The architecture on the West Side is breathtaking. It’s breathtaking."
Lori reminisces about some of the sights from her months-long trek: Avondale’s historic Rookwood tile drinking fountain, Green Township’s skylights, Hyde Park’s aquarium, and Pleasant Ridge’s 1929-era clock. She also notes the Madisonville and Forest Park branches, both of which were recently renovated. "Sometimes I just stood in awe just absorbing the surroundings," Lori says.
How You Can Participate in the Library Visit Challenge
To participate, pick up a Library Visit Challenge tracking sheet at any CHPL location or download a tracking sheet from CHPL.org. Check off each location as you visit. Once you’ve visited all 41 CHPL locations, bring your completed tracking sheet to any location to earn an exclusive Library Visit Challenge button.
"I would always stop in at the front desk and would say, 'I’m going to introduce myself. I’m here doing the visit challenge.' I would read the challenge; I would talk to them," Lori says. "I made a lot of friends with the librarians, too, because they were so impressed."
Learn more about the Library Visit Challenge, and view a map to plan your journey.
"I visited all 41 CHPL libraries and I encourage every citizen to do the same," Lori says.
Have you tried the Library Visit Challenge?
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