Now Open! Explore Your Renovated Mariemont Branch!  

Written by Mackenzie Manley, Content Specialist, Downtown Main Library 

The Mariemont Branch reopened to the public on Saturday, Jan. 3, after an exciting $2 million renovation. Over 1,000 community members joined the celebration!  

Mandi Beecroft, the Mariemont branch manager, addressed the crowd at the ribbon cutting ceremony. One theme throughout the renovation process that stuck out to Mandi was the power of community.  

“Throughout the Mariemont Branch’s temporary closure, we continued to host our book club; attendees came out to the Fairfax Rec Center and the Maderia Branch. We had tweens in the community who came all the way out to the Bond Hill Branch for our Pokémon Club,” Mandi said. “Each month, community council members asked me for updates and told me how excited they were for the opening and how much they missed Mariemont and the staff. Our wonderful volunteers have emailed me well wishes and shared how much they looked forward to coming back.”  

Ben, a first-time Mariemont Branch visitor, also spoke about community. When asked about the best part of being at the reopening, he replied that it was seeing the community come out.  

“It’s fun being in the community, seeing the members here, and running into people I know,” he said.  

Another community member, Ellie, attended with her family. She was excited to explore the branch’s new features. “We love to read. And we also love that there’s all these different children’s activities,” she said. “It’s a great place to come explore, play, and read books.” 

New Features 

Along with new carpet, furniture, and paint throughout the branch, new features to explore include:  

• New ceiling tiles and grid with updated LED lighting 
• New meeting room 
• Dedicated teen area 
• Cozy reading area with fireplace 
• Updated children's section 
• Quiet space for collaboration 

When asked how she felt about the renovations, attendee Sheila described the branch as “amazing.” 

“They have a fireplace. It’s so comfy over there,” she said. “You have the space for the children that’s so open and welcoming. I love that it’s so open and well-lit. It speaks community.”  

Explore the Mariemont Branch’s History   

To celebrate the renovation, the Mariemont Branch currently has a history display exploring its roots, which go back to 1926. Having opened on the corner of a building on Chestnut Street, the branch had 750 shelved books and served just over 30 families. In the next half century, the Mariemont community grew — and the library did with it. The branch was housed in various buildings until it opened in its current space in September 1972. 

Upcoming Events   

We know that the community is excited to get back into the branch not only to explore, but to use the space for events!  From clubs to storytimes to sing-alongs, there will be something for everyone. Mark your calendars for upcoming events — and make sure to get cozy in Mariemont’s refreshed space while you’re at it.