About the Library FAQs

  • Computers & Technology

    Yes, free WiFi is available in the seating areas of all our branches and the Downtown Main Library.

    Visit our WiFi page for more details.

    Visit our CHPL Laptop Kiosks page, opens a new window to view library locations with a laptop kiosk and detailed instructions on how to check out a laptop.

    Once there, you’ll be asked to scan your CHPL library card at the kiosk.

    Each cardholder may borrow one laptop at a time for up to two hours of use within the library building.

    Visit our MakerSpace Reservation page.

    Once there, you'll be asked to enter your library card number and PIN. Next, select the station you want to reserve and the date and time. Due to capacity limits, there are a limited number of appointments available each day.

    Visit a PC Reservation Station or ask Library staff at the branch library to make a reservation on a computer. 

    The Library offers free faxing at all our locations. Please visit our fax service page for more details.

    If you’ve already printed 20 sides of a page for free in one day, additional pages can be paid for in coins, bills, major credits cards, Apple Pay, Android Pay, and more. Payment is made prior at the printer you’re using at any CHPL library location. For specific questions about payment types, Ask a Librarian, opens a new window. 

    Print up to 20 pages in color or 33 in black and white per day for free at any of CHPL's 41 library locations.  Additional pages can be printed at a cost of $0.15 per page in black and white and $0.25 per page in color.  

  • Building the Next Generation Library

    Facility Master Plan Overview

    The locations are divided into four categories:

    • Main Library: A destination library that offers a range of specialty services and resources as well as a full range of typical ones.
    • Next Generation Libraries: Large branches that provide a full range of modern library services and resources.
    • Neighborhood Libraries: Moderately sized branches that provide essential library services and resources.
    • Focused Libraries: Smallest in size and only offers focused services, tailored to neighborhood needs.

    The plan is divided into three sections.

    The Facility Master Plan has a 10-year horizon, and within that time all 40 branches and the Main Library will see improvements. Section III of the Facility Master Plan includes recommended sequencing for these 41 projects, based on cost, capacity, and other critical factors.

    The Board of Trustees identified six guiding principles for the planning process: sustainability, industry leading excellence, diversity and inclusion, transparency, customer focus, and maximize access.

    The Price Hill, Walnut Hills, and Madisonville branches are not at all accessible for those with mobility challenges. To support our focus inclusion and maximizing access, a priority is ensuring these branches are accessible to everyone including those with disabilities.

    The Price Hill design process is complete and we expect to break ground in March of 2020. We hope to break ground on Walnut Hills in the fall of 2020, and we’re currently exploring opportunities for the Madisonville Branch. Once renovated, each of these facilities will be fully accessible.

    Read more about the Facility Master Plan.

    No closings or consolidations were recommended in the 10-year Facility Master Plan.

    Despite the financial need being significantly greater than the amount of funds available, the library is committed to making sure each of the 41 locations will undergo some type of improvement in the next 10 years. Additional improvements can occur in between 2029-2038, if funding becomes available.

    As part of the Facility Master Plan process, architects and engineers evaluated each facility to identify needs. Their expert evaluation estimates that the actual funding needed to both address deferred maintenance and upgrade facilities is between $300 million to $350 million in 2019 dollars.

    Project funding is from the 1 mil levy that passed in 2018, which provides up to $190 million to the Library for operating expenses in 10 installments of $19 million. Approximately $142 million to $157 million of these funds is being used for facilities improvements. We are grateful for taxpayer support of the levy.

    Local architectural design firm Fishbeck began work on the Price Hill Branch at the time of its closure in July 2018 due to a partial ceiling collapse. Groundbreaking occurred in early 2020. The Elmwood Place Branch received paint, carpet, and furniture before the end of 2019 as a Capital Maintenance project. The Reading Branch received a Strategic Investment in the form of a Laptop Kiosk.

    The Facility Master Plan has a 10-year horizon, based on the 10-year levy. All Library locations are receiving improvements between 2019–2028. The majority of these improvements are Strategic Investments or Capital Maintenance projects. Fourteen Design Projects are significant in scope and involve a renovation, expansion, or relocation.

    However, site evaluations conducted by architects and engineers revealed a greater-than-anticipated need. The estimated cost of not just addressing deferred maintenance issues but upgrading and expanding facilities is $300 million to $350 million in 2019 dollars. Because the financial need is much greater than the amount of funds the levy provides, transforming all of our spaces into Next Generation Libraries is happening on a 20-year timeline unless additional funds become available in the next 10 years.

    We’ve hired the local architectural firm Fishbeck to do the work on the Price Hill, Walnut Hills and Madisonville branches, as well as the local nonprofit, Design Impact, who led our community engagement work. Throughout the development of the Facility Master Plan, Group 4 engaged with local firms, such as Brown Engineering & Construction and Elevar Design Group, to complete certain tasks. When the Library puts out a public call for bids to do specific work, local companies are encouraged to respond.

    Over the summer, all of our branches hosted a Community Listening Session. Community engagement was critical to the success of the Facilities Master Plan (FMP) project. The Library engaged over 3,000 community members in the FMP process so we could learn about their needs, interests, and vision for a Next Generation Library.

    And we'll be back for more feedback as projects progress in each community.

    All 41 facilities are receiving improvements over the next 10 years.

    After robust community, stakeholder and staff engagement, the Facility Master Plan was completed in 2019 which outlines the sequencing for these 41 projects, based on cost, capacity, and other critical factors.

    Library locations have been organized into five Planning Zones. While your branch may not be undergoing a significant renovation or expansion, one in your zone will be. This way the Library can ensure that all customers have convenient access to a full range of Library services and facilities.

    The improvements are divided into three categories:

    • Strategic Investment — A small amount of funds to make a small, but impactful, improvement to the branch based on community and staff input. Examples: laptop kiosk, maker cart, study pod, outdoor furniture.
    • Capital Maintenance — Replacement and repair work that needs to happen as things come to the end of their lifespan. Examples: HVAC systems, roofing, carpeting, and furniture.
    • Capital Design — A significant improvement.Examples: renovation, addition, or relocation.

    Despite the financial need being significantly greater than the amount of funds available, the Library is committed to making sure each of the 41 locations undergo some type of improvement in the next 10 years Additional improvements can occur between 2029-2038 if funding becomes available, especially to those locations that only saw a Strategic Investment in the first 10 years.

    Before undertaking facility improvements, the Library decided to spend a year looking at the system as a whole so we could direct funds efficiently and effectively. In 2019 we spent a year developing the Facility Master Plan, which is a road map that provides direction and focus for implementing improvements at all locations.

    Also, at the start of the planning process, we made a commitment to seeking community input from across the county in order to make the best improvements at each location. We heard from over 3,000 community members through 41 listening sessions, focus groups, and surveys. The planning and community engagement took nearly a year; however, it gave us valuable insights into what the community wants and needs at their specific Library location.

    Multiple library locations have received their improvements, including the Price Hill Branch Library and the Deer Park Branch Library. Visit the Building the Next Generation Library webpage for updates on ongoing, planned, and completed projects.

    The Facility Master Plan provides clear recommendations and prioritization of projects. As the Building the Next Generation Library initiative unfolds, administrative and facilities staff are continuing to seek and use input from architects, design professionals, community members, businesses, Library staff, and other stakeholders to guide the process.

    The Library’s Board of Trustees are using the Facility Master Plan to inform their decision-making process, while keeping aware that external factors, such as a change in funding levels or increased construction costs, could warrant altering the plan to address real-world challenges or opportunities that may arise.

    Please use this quick online form to share your question or idea. If you want an answer to your question, be sure to provide your email address.

    The Library is more than happy to send a representative to a meeting of your group. Please contact Justyn Rampa, Customer Experience Manager, at justyn.rampa@chpl.org.

    Please contact Molly Defosse, Chief Financial Officer, at molly.defosse@chpl.org.

  • Meeting Rooms

    Click the "To cancel this booking visit..." link that is included in your confirmation email or call 513-369-6900.

    Meeting or study room reservations may be made online, opens a new window.  For assistance with this process, please contact your local branch, opens a new window, or call 513-369-6900. Please note:

    • Meeting and study room capacity varies by location.
    • Reservations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
    • Reservations for meeting rooms can be made 6 months in advance.
    • Reservations for study rooms can be made 2 weeks in advance.
    • Once staff have reviewed your request, you will be notified if your request is approved or denied.

    Study rooms for use by groups or individuals are available at selected Library locations.  Visit the Meeting & Study Rooms page for room capacities and a link to the online reservation form. 

    Meeting rooms for use by groups or individuals are available at most library locations. Visit the Meeting & Study Rooms webpage for room capacities and a link to the online reservation form.

  • Working at the Library

    Visit our Working at the Library page, which is linked in the "About Us" section at the bottom of our website.

    Then click on the "Current Openings" link. Open positions are categorized on this page by branch or department.

    You must be at least 16 years of age to apply for a 12-hour Shelver position.

    Please visit our Volunteer Opportunities page for information regarding volunteering at the Library.

    The Library does offer internship/practicum opportunities for students. Individuals pursuing degrees in the library field are welcome to submit a proposal for practicums. Such proposals should be submitted to Human Resources for review along with a résumé and the school’s internship or practicum guidelines, or call 513-369-6946 for more information. Individuals involved in practicums at the Library must comply with all Library policies and are not compensated by the Library. The Library reserves the right to cancel any practicum if the individual does not comply with Library policies.

    Once an applicant submits an online application, an Human Resources Representative and/or Hiring Manager reviews the applications received and the most qualified candidates are contacted to come in for an interview. Interviews are behavior-based and questions are asked based on the applied-for position. References may be checked at any stage of the selection process. If a candidate is selected, a background check and drug test are conducted. All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of a background check, drug test, and new hire paperwork. Once hired, most new employees attend an orientation at the Downtown Main Library.

    Many interviews are conducted at the Downtown Main Library in Cincinnati, however interviews for branch positions are often conducted at their respective branches.

    The Library often has advancement opportunities, and we engage in and encourage internal advancement.

    Yes, the Library offers numerous management programs/trainings including, but not limited to; mentoring, a leadership program (a leadership journey that increases team cohesiveness and productivity, communication skills, and assists in conflict and problem resolution), Tomorrow’s Manager Program, and in-house/external training opportunities.

    A list of benefits offered can be found on our Benefits page.

    The Library has various programs and teams that promote staff recognition and engagement.

    Every position is assigned a pay grade based on the degree of knowledge, accountability, and problem-solving required for it. Each pay grade has a range of pay from minimum to maximum. Progression within the pay scale is based on performance.

    The Library is a fast-paced organization focused on friendly, excellent, pro-active customer service at all levels within the organization. If you are innovative, service-oriented, and enjoy working in a diverse, dynamic, challenging environment, you will be successful at the Library.

    You should receive an acknowledgement of application via email. You then are contacted if selected for an interview.

    If problems occur during the application process, please contact our Human Resources Department by phone at 513-369-6968, option 1, or by email.  

    Most positions are posted for at least one week; every effort is made to remove job postings as soon as interviews are scheduled or, in some situations, once a candidate has been selected.

    Internal applications can be submitted through RUFUS (the staff intranet). Hover over “Our Organization” → ”Human Resources” and click on “Job Openings,” which is under the Recruitment and Selection category. Click on the position for which you wish to apply and follow the application process. An online application/résumé must be submitted for any position in which you are interested.

    You should receive an immediate acknowledgement of application via email when your application has been submitted successfully. A Human Resources Representative then reaches out to you, most times via the email you provided on your application, if you are invited to interview.

    Applications remain in the database for a minimum of two years. A new application must be submitted for each position to which you wish to apply.

    — Submit an application

    — If selected for an interview, you are contacted via email or phone.

    — If selected for a position, an offer is made and is contingent upon passing a drug screening, background check, and verified references.

    Yes, call 513-369-6968 or email Human Resources.

    Call 513-369-6968 or email Human Resources.

    Visit the Downtown Main Library or branch in which you are interested in working. Prepare by having examples of your past customer service interactions and outcomes. Be prepared to answer questions regarding past work history.