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October 11, 2013

CONTACT: Rick Helmes, (513) 509-4236 or Anne Keller, (513) 369-6035

Celebrate 30 Years at Library Friends’ Shop November 2

Thirty years ago the Friends of the Public Library of Cincinnati & Hamilton County had a vision and decided to embark on a new venture--a gift shop at the Main Library downtown. The Friends’ nonprofit group was founded in 1957, dedicated to making information and knowledge available to all the communities served by the Public Library. One of the ways it does so is raising funds through book sales and the Library Friends’ Shop.

To celebrate its 30th anniversary, the shop will have a special celebration event on Saturday, November 2 from 10-4 that will feature special guests, giveaways, discounts, and more. Members of the Friends will also receive a 30% discount throughout the store from November 1-16. No matter how much the Shop has changed in the past 30 years, its focus is still on raising funds to support the programs of the Library.

Special Events and Happenings:

1. Special Guests: Christy Connelly, original Shop Manager; Rosemary Auer, Roberta Mattimiro, and Janet Smith – all volunteers at the shop since 1985, and Annette Horowitz, longtime volunteer and Shop Assistant Manager.

2. Special Gifts: Stop in the Friends’ Shop any time on Saturday, November 2 to receive a free 1848 Cincinnati Riverfront Then and Now poster. With any $3 purchase, receive a Library lapel pin. With any $30 purchase, register to win two tickets to Flashdance the Musical at the Aronoff Center.

3. Special Goings-on: Play our "Flashback to The Eighties" Trivia Game. Enjoy Celebration Cake and Punch, 30% discounts on purchases (with a few exceptions). Come dressed in your finest 80's gear - a $30 Friends’ Gift Certificate will be given to the person with the "Best 80's Costume!"

Shop History:

In September 1983, the Friends of the Public Library Board asked Christy Connelly, a veteran of retail operations at the Cincinnati Zoo, to get the shop operating at the Main Library. Using cast-off library furniture and display cases, the Friends' Shop opened ina small space near the Walnut Street entrance. The merchandise selection had a literary theme, and local writers and artists are featured. The shop also had a selection of items such as paper, pens, pencils, and more for Library customers, as well as genealogy supplies. Multicultural cards and crafts reflect the diverse nature of the community.

Many local artists feature their creations at the store. Games and activity books and Cincinnati-themed items are available, as well as seasonal items that coordinate with Libraryexhibits or events. The shop is now located in a space four times its original size, on the mezzanine near the Vine Street entrance. It features a large used book, CD, and DVD section, with items starting at $1. There’s something for everyone.

Shop Hours:

Main Library (on the mezzanine), 800 Vine Street, Downtown

Monday–Saturday 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

(513) 369-6920,

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