Public Library of Cincinnnati & Hamilton County: Mt. Washington

I’ve been going to the Mt. Washington Branch since I was a child. In the past few years, I feel like it’s just gone downhill. I no longer feel safe at this location. I believe I witnessed a drug deal in the parking lot the other day. And on a visit back in July, there was a person reeking of alcohol and clearly on «substances» lingering toward the back of the library. It’s just getting to be a place I don’t want to take my kids. Not only that, but it feels like it’s lost the traditional purpose of a library. It now just seems like place where people just come in to use the computers. Not many people there actually looking at the books, etc. If you have options — go to the Anderson Twp branch instead — especially with kids.

I recently blanked on my library card number (something about not having a number pad and having to type with the numbers across the top of the keyboard make it tough for me to remember) when I asked if they could hold my stuff for the next day, the staff member offered to look up my card number. This is a vast improvement over the previous experiences. Thanks for helping me!
In the last year, they’ve moved things around and made more table space so if you have your own laptop you can find a place along the windows to plugin. That’s nice.
And the woman’s restroom is very clean!

The Mt. Washington Branch of the Cincinnati Public Library system has a great place in the community of Mt. Washington. Growing up I went to many events here and was able to read many books. It was so close and easy to walk to when I was little and having access to public education is a great resource for the community.
They often hold community events for children where an artist or an educator comes in and does a workshop or a reading for children. One of the most memorable ones for me was an Origami artist who came in and taught us all how to make things like balls and wallets out of paper. I actually still have the ball that I made! There is also a summer reading club that rewards kids for reading books from a summer reading list.
It’s not the largest library, but it has a decent selection of books. The children’s section occupies almost half the space. They have the cutest kid sized tables and chairs to sit at. Pull up a larger one if you want to sit with your kids! The library also offers computers with internet access if you have a library card.
The librarians that work at this location knew me by name growing up. Some of them still work there! They are extremely dedicated and helpful.