Written by Clarity Amrein, Community Content Coordinator
The Catherine C. and Thomas E. Huenefeld Story Center, located on the second floor of the Downtown Main Library’s South Building, is still the Library’s destination space for learning about local history! For the first six months of 2026, the Story Center will explore the theme of Cincinnati Writers.
This exploration will include themed book displays, bookmarks, events, and exhibits displaying the works of prominent Cincinnati writers, both living and deceased, historical and contemporary, and spanning a breadth of genres, including poetry, graphic novels, and nonfiction.
Throughout the winter and spring, the Story Center team will also conduct oral history interviews with Cincinnati writers to be published on our YouTube Channel.
Each month, the Story Center will highlight groups of writers corresponding with local and Library events, heritage months, and America 250, the United States semiquincentennial celebration.
See the schedule of topics and events below.
In February, the Story Center will focus on African American Cincinnati Writers. The Story Center will also publish a Cincinnati Writers digital exhibit, which customers are invited to browse on the accessible touch screens in the Story Center gallery anytime during open library hours. Customers can also view the exhibit online.
In March, we’re honoring women writers and teaming up with the Women’s Health Fair on Saturday, March 7. This month will also feature themed bookmarks highlighting female Cincinnati writers. During this month, come visit the Story Center to see the Cincinnati Writers physical exhibit, which will include materials from our rare books collection.
In April, we’re celebrating Cincinnati poets for National Poetry Month. Join us for the 28th annual Poetry in the Garden event on Tuesday, April 14, at the Downtown Main Library in the iconic reading garden. The digital and physical exhibits in the Story Center will still be on display for browsing until the end of June, so make sure to visit them after the event!
In May, the Story Center will explore Cincinnati graphic novelists, comics, and illustrators. Additionally, check out the Story Center book display showcasing Asian American and Pacific Islander Cincinnati writers.
Finally,in June, pick up a book from our book display of LGBTQIA+ Cincinnati writers. Join us for a book signing event on Friday, June 5 with Jake Hogue, Cincinnati LGBTQIA+ local historian and author, for his newly released book Cincinnati Before Stonewall. Don’t forget to check out the Cincinnati Writers physical and digital exhibits before they change for the next topic!
Do you know of a Cincinnati writer who the Story Center should research, highlight, or interview? Please reach out to us at research@chpl.org.
Stay tuned for additional programs and events to be added, the link to the digital exhibit, and recorded interviews with Cincinnati writers.
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