CET is pleased to partner with the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County and to
provide you with "virtual tours" of the newly redesigned Main Library. While the Main
Library has a new look, more importantly it has also reorganized to better serve its
customers. On this page you'll find descriptions of each area; click on the title and
watch a video tour of that section. Also, check out the interactive maps of each floor.
FIRST FLOOR
Map
Popular Library
This "library within the library" is a one-stop, quick-in/quick-out spot. Located right
by the Vine Street entrance, it offers the latest fiction, movies, audiobooks, music,
graphic novels for adults, large print titles, foreign fiction, and recent releases of
popular nonfiction including gardening, cooking, decorating, and biographies. Self-check
machines make borrowing books, films and music easy.
Children's Learning Center
The Children's Learning Center collection reflects the wide variety of children's materials. In the
collection, you'll find picture books, concept books, board books, beginning readers, juvenile fiction,
nonfiction, audiobooks, music tapes and cds, non-English language books, titles for parents, and
reference resources for educators. Children's Learning Center staff are available to help kids, parents,
caregivers, and teachers find the reference, educational and recreational material of interest to them.
Our staff are also happy to provide reading recommendations, prepare teacher collections, and lead tours
of the Children's Learning Center.
Homework Central
Homework Central is an area dedicated exclusively to supporting the homework needs of
young people. Technology supporting homework is readily available from all computers,
including Internet access and a range of productivity software frequently needed by
today's students to complete schoolwork, such as word processing and presentation
software.
SECOND FLOOR
Map
TechCenter
This computer enclave offers nearly 100 PCs offering access to the Internet, productivity
software (including word processing), the ability to download music, and
graphics/audio/video/web development workstations. Plus, there are knowledgeable staff on
hand to assist you with your technology questions.
Information & Reference Department, which includes the Career Resource Center, Small Business Resource Center and the Grants Center
Most of the current subject departments are now merged into the Information &
Reference Department and shelved in Dewey Decimal order. "Roving reference" staff
assist customers in the building, and the "Remote Reference Center" will handle
phone calls and emails.
Teen Spot
The new TeenSpot, designed specifically to meet the needs and interests of young people
(ages 12-18), features a high-interest collection of teen print and audiovisual material
and the latest technology. The Spot offers an inviting and comfortably furnished floor
plan designed to support a wide variety of activities from group and independent studying
to programs and activities just for teenagers.
Magazines & Newspapers
The Library has always actively collected magazines, journals and newspapers.
The following are some of the magazine collections available at the Library.
- APS Microfilm Collection (American Periodicals Series)
- African-American Newspaper Collection
- ELPS Microfilm Collection (English Literary Periodicals Series)
- Local Newspaper Collection
- Newsdex (Index to Local Newspapers)
THIRD FLOOR
Map
Genealogy & Local History
This new research department collects and houses all genealogical material, as well as
all material concerning the history and culture of the city of Cincinnati, its
African-American community, and its Ohio river setting. Research-level service in these
areas also is available.