Central, Public Library of Cincinnati Hamilton County Reviews

Comprehensive selection, good book sales and events. I also got passport paperwork filled out here.

This building has been a Cincinnati gem for years. A gem for our family as well. As soon as I leave, I am looking forward to my next visit.

The MakerSpace is a great resource for the community. It features two 3D printers, a laser engraver/cutter, and many other educational and useful creative tools.

Lovely Cincinnati history displays. And do not forget the stuffed 11 foot tall polar bear.

An absolutely great institution. Over 100 computers with Microsoft Office. A Makerspace where one can do any number of creative projects, including transferring vinyl records onto flash drives. And hundreds of books of course.

Is so clean and quiet down there I appreciate everything they do thank you main library!

So many things to do and have most materials I need. Truly a blessing.

Love it you can kick it here for a couple hours and really enjoy yourself!!!

The main library is littered with homless heroin addicts most of the movies are all scrached n wont play the only possitive thing i can say is that at least the staff is good

The library is always "The Library". Friendly staff to help. Happenings of the best in the city. Cincinnati's finest asset.

I have been going to the public library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, for the past twelve years! Here is where I began to elevate my writing skills, pass a Microsoft exam, and construct a potential screenplay about my mental status in life!

A plethora of resources for the community and the staff assistance is impeccable

I have always loved the downtown library, but now that I have a baby, I have a new reason to love it. The children's section is A+

3D printers?! I cant believe some of the stuff offered here. I love this place.

Tha library is a homeless hang out if u homeless come to tha library they'll take u n

The children's library is in it's own room, so you don't have to worry about your kids being loud. There's a large selection of books, computers for kids to play on, and they have weekly activities. The staff is very friendly and helpful. Such a fun place to visit while downtown!

After trying to pay my fine at the kiosk, the worker at the front desk tells me that I made a deposit to my account and that it can allow me to print and "other stuff" . After explaining to the employee that I was trying to pay my fine, he wouldn't even give me my money back!

The section titled "Quiet Study Area" was actually being used by a large group as a talkative dining area. Poor place to focus.

I love this library..you 3 floors and you have a kids library across the street..and you can get on the list for the WiFi hotspot..

This is an impressive structure right in the middle of Downtown Cincy. Tons to do, like the Maker space, all of the exhibits and a giftshop that, oddly enough, still sells floppy disks. There's four floors of books, covering just about everything you can imagine.

If you enjoy reading, you could probably lose yourself in this library for days.

I stopped in at The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County and was amazed at the collection that the library has. It's a real gem that's worth stopping in and enjoying.

Went to the Library... checked in at the desk on Walnut St and I was given a 2 hour limit. Enjoyed my stay. Only gave 3 stars due to time limit imposed due to the pandemic.

I think beside bed bugs yes people they have bed bugs down there and the sex you see down. I think its a nice place . I always get things done and im in and out in a jiffy pop.

The staff is great and willing to help you . Shout out .

Glad they are back. This is the best of all of the library's.

A gorgeous library. Multi floors make it look like an academic library. Staff are waiting at each door with a tablet to help guide you. Each floor has seating and private study areas.

My dad misplaced his wallet his last trip there 9/21/2018 , going out on a limb to see if anyone sees this and found it. Unlikely but worth a shot!

It's an excellent library. I got lost for hours in it's gigantic selection of books and dvds. However, what tainted my experience is the circus you have to go through to get to the library. I got harassed twice for cigarettes by some of the "interesting" people that loiter around the building. The restroom I used had an awful smell and some of the patrons inside of the library make me very nervous. Too bad...it's an excellent library otherwise.

This review is for the Anderson township location. Always very pleasant. Offers Yoga, flower arrangement, lego and other interesting activities . I was at the book sale and got tons of educational stuff for my toddler (and lots of free stuff). The staff is very kind (particularly the senior folks) and the students go out of their way to help you.

An amazing collection of CDs, DVDs, magazines and books for reference or take-away. Plenty of tables and natural lighting for reading make this a first stop for work or play. The roaming staff are very helpful, if you can't find what you need, ask. There are a ton of books not on display available for retrieval from the storage below.

They also have free programming, such as live music, computer training and special events. Be sure to check their calendars. In warmer weather, the outside garden offers a more relaxing reading space.

it's not as quiet is libraries used to be, but it's still a pretty nice place.

One of Cincinnati's greatest resources. Free WiFi, you can check out books ebooks videos and so much more

Always too much noise. Libraries should be for reading and studying, not a public address event. Crawling with bums and thieves, too. All of them smell bad. See a child here, see a badly behaved barely supervised child. And the garden is not that great in any weather. It smells of urine and is covered in graffiti.

bums peeing on the carpet & drinking 211 in the bathroom.

Unbelievable library and staff. You can request virtually any book and they will have it. I am in and out of here multiple times per week. The printers/computers are a great service too. Haven't used the MakerSpace yet, but I am imagine as my kids are growing up, we will be there all the time.

I miss the TechCenter. Sure there were criminals but those were the best library computers I ever used. I had to leave Cincinnati for my safety & sanity.

Books. Truly always had a soft spot for this place. Probably the best library that ever was.

I work there and it is a great place for kids and adults.

Great place to relax, read, get online, or meet up with people. Great atmosphere. Love going to the main library!

Nice place & everyone is nice but some security guards are mean.

From the makers space to the staff such a Corena, and others there is no better place to unite than the library. It is always welcoming no matter want status you have rich/old/young/poor/lgbtqia and is an amazing resource. Especially as an activist and sole proprietor. Thank you all.

I absolutely love this place!!
There is always something to explore, something to do and whatever I need is almost always there. Even if they can't find it, it can be sent to the library of your choice in no time.
The children's center has so much to offer for me children and they are both currently hooked on the touch and feel boardbooks. BTW the aquarium at the children's center is lovely.
Would recommend to anyone and have many times.

I'm not Denise but her dude. And I love this place it's open to the public so a lot of scum comes through but that is any city. The head quaters is in my opinion the greatest library I've ever been inside of. Its makerspace is perfect for the Ohians with that creative drive; You can really make a dream come to life.
The staff is decent and always patient with my rowedy toddlers. There is always security on duty so safety is never in question. And the teams there love what they are doing!!
The cincinnati main library is monumental, holding some of Ohio's and it's natives' most prized keepsakes from epic historic battles to epic native brains or rather there works.
Not to mention enough computers and storered knowledge (reference material) to feed even the thirstyist mind it's fill.
I'm typing this as I'm about to head to the library to start my day. :) i hope this clearifys that some of the reviews are entirely fececius and inaccuare to my many many encounters with the place. And forgive my grammar I'm typing with my things and my spelling has never been "bee" status.

On my visit today it's always nice here clean and for the most part peace and happiness oh one more thing it allows you to focus it's one of many libraries I like to go everyday.Thanks.Donnie

I'll be happy when it opens again. One of my homes away from home!

The public library is always a great place!

I really love the makerspace area, you can create a lot of things there It's a great resource to have!

As far as or the books they have a lot! But they also have CDs DVDs all types of media, newspaper magazines, enough to keep you reading for the rest of your life!

This past Saturday, December 15, when I visited the library I had the chance to see the train display looks pretty coo!

l captured some great shots of the trains and the model display!

We've been going to the library off and on for years and it's a great place to have!

Although digital archives are taking its place, it is no place like the library!

As a resource, this library is great. I use the downtown branch the most. Genealogy section amazing and staff very helpful. Information and Reference will assist your search. They have never let me down when I needed help. Circulation Staff are always there to help as well. Great selection of various media formats. I love finding old movies to watch again! Relaxing gardens in both buildings. They are busy though.

Addition to original review:

I just used Maker's Space for the first time. I cannot imagine the staff being more helpful. There are two large printers. I used one to print out a 28 inch by 48 inch family tree. I needed help formatting it and the staff made it possible. I want to use the laser engraver!

My next project is converting some VHS tapes to digital form. This is such a great resource with the speed that technology changes formats.

The children's library is in it's own room, so you don't have to worry about your kids being loud. There's a large selection of books, computers for kids to play on, and they have weekly activities. The staff is very friendly and helpful. Such a fun place to visit while downtown!

lots of old books here on the shelves helping along the way with children and friends alll together

I miss the TechCenter. Sure there were criminals but those were the best library computers I ever used. I had to leave Cincinnati for my safety & sanity.

The building is well maintained and staff is super friendly. They have tons of free and cheap resources available for learning. I love the makerspace so much and I hope it continues to grow and add more neat things. I also love that the library takes the community's suggestions to heart.

It use to be a quite and serene kind of place, not any more lol!

I have always loved the library and regularly go to the smaller library branches however, I was very disappointed when I visited this one. I had to keep walking up each level because I couldn't find anywhere to sit. There are chairs everywhere but they were being occupied with sleeping adults. It looks like a Middle-Aged Daycare in there.

Smells like a dirty litter box and very LOUD. Avoid this place like the plague, especially the second floor where the computers are. This area is like a holding tank for the criminally insane. Was "helped" by an older man who claimed to be the manager who couldn't even tell me what software was on the computers.
Bad. Bad. Bad.

I Love this place just wish they had more actives for kids and more African American literature.

Media Return Drive Through on 9th Street side. Homeless warming shelter inside. Smells like weed.

In the heart of downtown, the library is a haven for many. You can enter the library from vine or walnut. A vast selection of books, media and information, this library location has it going on. The makerspace is at this location. In the makerspace you can print a book, make buttons, photoshoot, record in the recording booth and so much more. There are public restrooms, elevators, a gift shop. Also, a children's library. There's a lot that happens here. It is definitely a resource to the community. Checking out their website or calling for details is helpful.

The Downtown Branch hosts a wealth of knowledge from the workers and patrons alike.

Usually decent workers at Norwood branch. Though rarely friendly and several times downright rude.

Collection and staff...top notch...fantastic community resource.

Largest collection in CPL, and decent book store, but sad to learn the north building has been sold to 3CDC.

Comprehensive selection, good book sales and events. I also got passport paperwork filled out here.

It is a shadow of the past. Miss how busy it use to be.

I love to go there it's very quite the 3D printer is amazing

The hub of the Cincinnati and Hamilton County public library network in a large downtown branch with lots of space and many resources that are unique to this location. They have an amazing amount of historic materials pertaining to the Cincinnati area in their vast special collections although these collections feel very underutilized and forgotten despite their significance.

The largest flaw/negative to this location is the amount of abuse you have to take to even get in the doors due to all of the panhandlers and other individuals that seem to call the plaza outside the Walnut Street entrance home. Many can be quite aggressive in their demands and it spills over into the adjacent blocks around the library. The library if they want to be a responsible member of this community need to do more to ensure a safe place for all patrons and enforce certain standards of behavior if needed.

The Cincinnati Public Library has quietly been the city s crown jewel for over a century not only does it have one of the highest circulations of any library system in the world, the Main branch downtown is regularly one of the busiest Library branches in the US. I have used it for years when I worked downtown. They ve helped my with school projects and given me access obscure films I would not be able to find on streaming sites. Further, the Main branch is one of Cincinnati s best examples of mid century architecture, and the outdoor garden is a great space to sneak into for lunch.

The main library downtown is one of my favorite places to spend a few hours on a quiet afternoon. The building is a lovely modernist structure, with lots of open space and natural light. Be sure to explore the upper levels. I've found some real gems amidst the stacks and the views of the city can't be beat.

Yes, I do, but I am agree with them I love this library lot of it millions theory situation more comfortable by make close know anything do I almost 31 years ago.. after today future I that point perfect my life what looking for interested good stuff

You can find practically anything here. There are rare historical books to Diary of a Wimpy Kid. You can also create awesome stuff here. Everyone is very friendly and helpful. Recommended!

This is an amazing library filled with thousands of books and resources for anyone looking to research certain topics or to be able to get away and relax.

I go to the Covedale Branch. Always quick and very friendly. I don't go very often but always feel like I have friends who will help me out.

Love the variety in this library but they could have more availabile content concerning treaties and treaty law, the articles of the 6th Amendment state that "TREATIES ARE THE SUPREME LAWS OF THE LAND" so how does one educate themselves on these things?

The associates at the MakerSpace are the best at teaching and administering to your technical and crafty needs. Always make you feel welcome.

This is a great library. The staff goes overboard to help in any way possible. The resources of books as well as learning tools is truly impressive. And I love the pickup window! Spanning two blocks, this Cincinnati institution (study the history of the downtown Cincinnati library) is an important community and cultural hub.