What’s New · Main Library Transformation

• Designed to be a one-stop shopping experience, the Popular Library offers customers centralized reference and reader’s advisory services, along with quick and convenient check out of materials. Their collection includes fiction and international language fiction, movies and documentaries, television shows; audiobooks, graphic novels; large print titles; English as a Second Language material, and a comprehensive collection of music CDs. Next to the department’s Reading Lounge, you’ll find a wide array of new nonfiction titles and a selection of circulating magazines. Plenty of self-service checkout machines are located in the department as well.

• The TechCenter is an invaluable resource for cutting edge technology. Whether you want to learn to type, establish a free email account, write a resume, search for jobs online, download and listen to music, or edit a home movie, the TechCenter has the resources you need. The department houses nearly 100 computers which support: accessing the Internet, our Catalog and database collection; utilizing productivity software (including Microsoft Office); playing Library CDs and DVDs; downloading digital books, audiobooks, videos, and music; and burning CDs and DVDs. The complete list of software applications available on TechCenter computers is online.

• Under the new model, resources previously divided among five departments have been drawn together into the Information and Reference Department. You’ll find expert reference assistance from staff at the department’s 2nd floor service desk and the “roving reference” staff on the 3rd floor. The department’s extensive nonfiction collection encompasses a wide cross-section of subjects including: religion, cooking, gardening, health and medicine, parenting, car repair, business, computers, investments, jobs, art, crafts, literary criticism, biographies, history, travel, popular culture, and current events. You’ll also find the Grants, Careers, Small Business, and Public Documents Resource Centers in the Information and Reference Department.

• The Genealogy and Local History Department brings together resources previously divided among various Main Library subject departments. All local history resources, including those on Rookwood Pottery, the Cincinnati Reds, early pioneers, and 19th century police reports now reside in one location. The department also houses one of the nation’s largest and oldest genealogy collections. The Cincinnati Room, adjacent to the Genealogy and Local History Department, displays local history artifacts and provides a climate-controlled and secure environment for using the Library’s rare and fragile materials.

• TeenSpot is a new department designed to exclusively support the information, reading, entertainment, and technology needs of the Main Library’s many teen visitors. The layout of the nearly 8,000 square foot department is designed to be a welcoming and inviting environment for teenagers in our community. It’s the result of collaboration between architects, planners, library staff, and area teens, who participated in focus groups. The TeenSpot will offer a wide variety of reading material and computers and will provide access to many of the same software applications (including Microsoft Office) available in the TechCenter.

• Homework Central is another new department that allows us to connect with students in new and exciting ways, as well as collaborate with teachers and school administrators to enhance the learning environment. Homework Central offers Hamilton County primary and secondary students the opportunity to receive homework assistance—in person, by phone, email and the Internet—in a safe, nurturing environment. Students can access a collection of reference material that supports their academic pursuits and computers which can be used for working on homework or school assignments.

• The Children’s Learning Center and the Magazines and Newspapers Department remain in their current locations.

We’ve also added a few new services to make it even easier for customers to use the Main Library.

• Self-service checkout machines have been installed in the Atrium of the South Building and in the Popular Library.
• As an added convenience, these machines accept credit cards so you don’t have to worry about paying overdue fines with cash or a check.
• You can now pick up your material from the Express Holds shelves instead of waiting in line at the Circulation Services desk! You’ll find the Express Holds shelves in the Atrium of the South Building.

Despite the chaos and disruption associated with the remodeling, we’re already starting to see some encouraging signs of success. Main Library circulation increased during the months of November and December. We believe that this increase is an early indicator that Main Library customers are now finding it easier to locate material.