About Us
The Friends of the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. We are a separate organization from our Library, and our funds are generated from private donations and purchases. As a charity committed to promoting literacy here in Cincinnati, we funnel our 'profits' directly back into Library.
Libraries are not funded by tax-payer dollars alone.
The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County is fiscally responsible and has not increased its budget in 20 years, but they still have budgetary constraints. Our financial support underwrites hundreds of programs for all ages including:
- The Summer Reading Program for readers from preschool through adult
- Early Literacy Stations which allow young students to safely explore carefully chosen, highly engaging educational material on the Internet
- Storytellers, musical performers and puppet shows for children of all ages
- Authors, speakers and entertainers for adults, teens and children
- Acquisition of valuable books, materials and equipment
- Special programs to honor people and events significant to our area and its history
- Support for library legislative initiatives with the Ohio General Assembly
Our organization is comprised of over 300 volunteers who give thousands of combined hours annually. We have an active Board of Directors and a dedicated Staff who oversee our management with a unified mission: Promote literacy in the Tri-State.
We invite you to join our cause. Become a member of the Friends!