“For over 175 years”
The Mercantile Library is a membership library. It is a non-profit institution supported by members' annual subscriptions, gifts, and income from an endowment fund. The Library receives no tax support. The name refers not to the collection but to the Library's founders who were young merchants and clerks. Organized in 1835, it is the city's senior library and one of the oldest cultural institutions in the midwest. To fulfill its mission as the literary center of the region, the Library maintains and expands its historic collection of books and presents a rich schedule of events of interest to anyone who enjoys books and reading. Throughout the year there are visits by authors and writers, book discussions, workshops, and forums. Additionally, the Library is home to a collection of artworks including portrait busts, paintings, and the sketchbooks of the Cincinnati-trained artist Elizabeth Nourse. The Library also presents musical events.
MY FAVORITE HIDDEN SPOT IN CINCY! Ok, so first you have to know the backstory... Created for businessmen (back then, yes, pretty much just men) as a place for them to read the news and eat lunch (thus you can still bring food & drink inside!) today it's one of the most beautiful spaces in the city. Walk into the Mercantile Building and take the express elevator to the top and be amazed. You CAN visit without being a member. THIS PLACE IS THE BEE'S KNEES! So beautiful.
Membership here costs $100 a year, but you CAN go up and check the place out for free. You just can't check out any books. There are also frequent lectures that go on during the evenings.The inside is very cool to check out, but I wouldn't spend the money on a membership unless you're a serious book nerd. You don't need to be a member to attend most of the lectures.
Be the first to add a review to the Mercantile Library.
Mercantile Library
Hours
- Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri: 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
- Wed: 9:00 am - 7:30 pm
- Sat: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Problem with this listing? Let us know.
Has RV parking changed? Let us know.
-
Parking
-
Pets Allowed
-
Restrooms
-
Wifi
-
Wheelchair Accessible
-
Credit Cards Accepted
Nearby Hotels
Related Trip Guides
The top things to do on a U.S. Route 20 road trip
- 23 Places
- 60:25
- 3,576 mi