Cincinnati Old Main Library

Cincinnati hamilton county public library homepage.

Cincinnati old main library. Built in 1874 on the site reserved for an opera house the old cincinnati library was a thing of wonder. Labeled the most magnificent public library building in the country the library featured one element similar to todays library. Unfortunately that magnificent maze of books is now lost forever. The old main library was once one of cincinnatis most stunning buildings and one of the countrys most beautiful public libraries.

We spoke with book lover and library staff member tawanda johnson. With five levels of cast iron shelving a fabulous foyer checker board marble floors and an atrium lit by a skylight ceiling the place was breathtaking. In 1874 the public library of cincinnati opened in a small building originally intended to be an opera house. Once heralded as the most magnificent public library in the country.

The downtown location alone circulates over four million items. A towering atrium with a skylight ceiling. As of 2012 the chpls collection holds about nine and a half million volumes making it the 13th largest library in the us. The original library building known as old main stood for 85 years at 629 vine st next door to the old enquirer building.

Colossal cast iron book alcoves and spiral staircases that went several stories high checker board marble floors that shone beneath the skylight roof. The building which was located in downtown cincinnati at 629 vine st just a few blocks from the current main library was demolished in 1955. Public library of cincinnati hamilton county 3. The old cincinnati library before being demolished 1874 1955.

In 2008 chpl had an annual circulation of over fifteen million items. Now its a parking garage. The main library has occupied a prominent position in downtown cincinnati since 1874 when a new building was constructed on the west side of vine street between sixth and seventh streets. Cincinnati and hamilton county public library is a public library system in the united states.

A magnificent maze of books that is now lost forever. The librarys main entrance. And one of the countrys most beautiful public libraries. In addition to its main library location in downtown cincinnati ohio chpl operates 41 regional and branch locations throughout hamilton county.

With five levels of cast iron shelving a fabulous foyer checker board marble floors and an atrium lit by a skylight ceiling the place was breathtaking. Built in 1874 on the site reserved for an opera house the old main cincinnati library was a thing of wonder. T he old public library of cincinnati was the sort of place you only see in a harry potter film. With five levels of cast iron shelving a fabulous foyer checker board marble floors and an atrium lit by a skylight ceiling the place was breathtaking.

One of the large cast iron book alcoves that lined the main hall.