Public Library of Cincinnati & Hamilton County-Sharonville

This is not the branch in my neighborhood, but it’s not far — plus it is open on Sundays! Yippee!!! There is plenty of parking too. I needed children’s books for a first grade summer school class that I am teaching. Even in July, they had a nice selection to choose from. The librarians were helpful, especially with the new upgraded check-​out system. You just place the book on the mat and it scans it. Careful, because I just had my pile of books next to the mat and it scanned two of them! So do check the list of books on the screen to make sure that it did not scan any extra books by mistake! I didn’t know this, but I asked a librarian if there is a limit as to the number of books I can check out. She replied, «As many as you can carry!» That’s great to know as a teacher!

So much is always happening at the Sharonville library. Sure, the friendly staff is able to help you find a book, cd, dvd, magazine, etc. when you are looking for it, but I don’t think as many people realize everything else that is happening at the library, like:
— Classes on using e-​readers, yoga, organizing, etc.
— Free lunches for kids during the summer
— Book Clubs
— Summer Reading
— Kids Storytimes
— Monthly movie nights
— Used Book Sales
— Free Computer Access
— Free Wi-​fi
I work in Evendale, and it’s great to be able to use the Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library website to order/​reserve books at the Sharonville branch. When the book/​cd/​dvd is ready for pick-​up I receive an e-​mail letting me know, and then stop over during my lunch break to pick it up.
I don’t live in Sharonville, but from what I can tell, the library is the hub of the community. Multiple schools border the location, the community center with swimming pool and a park are in the same area and the city center is less than a mile away.
The staff is friendly and always helpful. In fact, there are «Memo to the Library» sheets out for anyone to fill out if you see an area where they could improve service– but, I imagine that it’s mainly used to compliment the library.
TIPS
— Use the website to look for specific books you may want. If it’s not at the Sharonville branch they can transfer it there for your next visit. Usually that takes 2 – 7 days unless the item is already checked out.
— You can renew items and pay fines online! (Yes! No more guilty walk to the front desk to pay your overdue fines!)
— I love the selection of TV on DVD– I may never watch regular tv again!
— Take advantage of the freegal music downloads online. Everyone with a library card can download 5 songs a week… yes, 260 songs a year– that’s awesome!
— If you have questions, don’t hesitate to ask any one of the staff members– they are ready and willing to help.

Besides the downtown location which is far from where we live, this library branch is a favorite. The staff is always helpful and they have different book clubs and movie nights. The book club that I went to had hot water and mugs for tea while you are discussing the book which was a nice touch. It is bright with lots of windows with greenery to look at. Enjoyable and relaxing!