That hard-to-find book might be closer than you think, especially if you haven't considered some of the more obscure libraries in town. Here are a few that might raise an eyebrow and make you ask, "Is that really in Cincinnati?"

Frederic T. Kapp Memorial Library
Founded in 1981, the Kapp Library, 3001 Highland Ave., Walnut Hills, has grown to be a major psychoanalytic research and reference center. It has a collection of over 4,000 books and 30 journals. Services include document delivery in as little as one hour; professional Internet searches; specialized databases, including PsychINFO, Medline and Psychoanalytic Electronic Publishing; and reference services via fax and e-mail (LJones@3001.us).

The library is open 10 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays. Membership is $50 per year, $25 for students. Visit cps-i.org/cpi_library.htm or call 513-961-8886.

Lloyd Library and Museum
The Lloyd Library, 917 Plum St., downtown, provides access to both historic and current books, journals and archival materials "on a wide variety of disciplines that fall under the subjects of natural history, botany, pharmacy and medicine." "Lloyd's resources are in fact an eclectic blend of a host of related sciences," its literature explains. "Despite the scientific focus, the collections have relevance to the humanities, such as visual arts and foreign languages through resources that feature botanical illustrations, original artworks and travel literature."

There are a few rules, though. This is a "closed stacks" library. Materials don't circulate and may not be removed. To prevent permanent marking of research materials, the use of any kind of pen is prohibited; only pencils may be used in the library.

When handling archives, manuscripts, and photographs, patrons may only touch the edges of the paper. When handling rare books, white cotton gloves are provided. Briefcases, backpacks and other bags are subject to search prior to leaving.

The library is open 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays. Visit www.lloydlibrary.org or call 513-721-3707.

Every Parent's Library
Promoted as "Parenting help before you need it," this video collection is all about helping people in the Tristate with parenting skills by providing support resources. The collection is still growing, but the goal is for approximately 100 videos and DVDs, reviewed and approved by a panel of parenting experts.

Some topics include healthy fetal growth; preparing for baby's arrival; breastfeeding; newborn colic, crying and spoiling; baby's need for stimulation; understanding postpartum depression; establishing good sleep patterns and attachment; toilet learning; and building self-esteem.

Some videos are identified as appropriate for teen or adult parents.

The library sends you a list of titles, then you talk with a volunteer to choose a videocassette or DVD. The video is sent to your home for a week. A volunteer will call to get feedback, reinforce the learning objectives and answer questions. This can also be done via mail. You mail the video back, using the envelope and postage provided.

Visit www.everyparentslibrary.org or call 513-791-8434. ©