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June 2010

Permanent Exhbits

Amelia Valerio Weinberg Memorial Fountain

The Amelia Valerio Weinberg Memorial Fountain is located on the Vine Street Plaza in front of the Main Library. Conceived and executed by former Cincinnati sculptor Michael Frasca, this ornamental fountain was made possible by a bequest from Mrs. Weinberg and was dedicated in 1990. Affectionately known as the “book fountain,” the sculpture features water cascading over a stack of ceramic tile books, representing the free flow of information and ideas through the printed word. The fountain is a popular spot for school groups and tourists.

Historic Stained Glass Windows

Three beautiful and intricate stained glass windows that graced one of the reading rooms in the original (1874) Main Library building have been restored to their original glory and are on permanent display. Learn more…

Louise Nevelson Sculpture

The 8th & Walnut Street entrance to the Main Library is flanked by “Sky Landscape II,” a major public sculpture by world-renowned artist Louise Nevelson (1899–1988). The 3,800-pound, 20-foot tall painted steel sculpture was relocated to the library on January 8, 1993. It had been given to the City of Cincinnati by Federated Department Stores (now known as Macy’s), who had commissioned the piece in 1980 for the entrance to their 7 West Seventh Street headquarters.

Honoring Our Veterans

The Veterans’ Memorial display case, located in the Atrium of the Main Library, recognizes the sacrifice and contribution of local veterans and showcases our collection of veterans’ memorabilia.

Temporary Exhibits

Cincinnati’s 20th Century Architectural Treasures

As the Queen City’s first group devoted to the awareness, education and preservation of modern design - CF3 Cincinnati Form Follows Function - presents this look back at some of the city's outstanding 20th century architectural treasures. From its world-class Art Deco Union Terminal train station to the many mid-century homes tucked into its seven hillsides, Cincinnati is blessed with a rich tradition of modern architectural design. The exhibit is on view on the 2nd and 3rd floors of the Main Library through July 30.

Bookworks 11

The Cincinnati Book Arts Society will hold its 11th annual exhibit of traditional and contemporary handmade books in the Atrium of the Main Library from June 14 to September 6. Composed of professional and amateur books artists, as well as archivists and conservators, this nonprofit organization is dedicated to the study of the book arts. The Society provides seminars, classes, and exhibits for the study and appreciation of the book as a unique from of visual expression. This year’s exhibit showcases a selection of handmade books that demonstrate a variety of techniques and approaches used in traditional and contemporary bookmaking.

The Keith Kuhn Memorial Artists’ Book Exhibit - Marking Time

In conjunction with the Cincinnati Book Arts Society’s Bookworks exhibit, “Marking Time,” a traveling exhibit of book art created by members of the Guild of Book Workers will also be on display this summer. Guild members were asked to interpret the theme of “marking time” in any way they wished. This juried exhibit showcases the work of 50 artists from across the country, whose rich diversity of backgrounds, talents, and interests have been a hallmark of Guild membership for more than 100 years.

Exhibitors are conservators and bookbinders, arts educators, full-time studio artists, and people with jobs outside the arts. Their translations vary in scope—some incorporated actual parts of time-keeping devices, while others pondered the end of time or celebrated the cycles of nature. Some deal with a literal or figurative journey, or cultural or personal history. Over sixty books—many of them hand made, one-of-a-kind objects—will be on display in the Main Library's Cincinnati Room from July 6 through August 26.

“Marking Time,” is sponsored by the Cincinnati Books Arts Society and the Library Programs Fund.

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