In line with its Next Generation Library Initiative, the Cincinnati Hamilton County Public Library (CHPL) recently unveiled its new Forest Park branch following a transformative $19.2-million project.
Built from the ground up, this branch is the CHPL's latest Big Next Generation Library and the largest among its branches, sprawling across a facility of 26,440 square feet.
The library space, located at 660 Northland Blvd., incorporates modern amenities and solidifies the branch’s role as a community hub for Springdale, Forest Park and other nearby neighborhoods.
The new facility boasts a large nature-inspired children’s section and play area, a dedicated space for teenage patrons, a gaming area, a courtyard, study rooms, a MakerSpace with creative tools and a multi-purpose room for group gatherings.
CHPL’s Next Generation Library Initiative is focused on system-wide improvements to facilities, such as interior updates, relocation or replacement of branches, capital maintenance, strategic investments and expansions.
Funding for the initiative comes from a 10-year tax levy approved by Hamilton County voters in 2018 and renewed in 2023, allowing the CHPL to receive approximately $19 million in additional funding for the next 10 years beginning in April 2019, for a total of $190 million. This was the CHPL’s first budget increase in nearly 20 years.
Local architecture firms Group 4 Architecture, Research + Planning and SHP collaborated with the CHPL on the design of both the comprehensive roadmap and the Forest Park branch, actively incorporating feedback from over 3,000 residents and library users into the final master plan.
“We love designing libraries because these buildings truly serve the community,” said SHP president Jeffrey Sackenheim in a media release. “Working with library staff, community members and other stakeholders to determine what they want out of their libraries, and being able to deliver on those wants in a tangible way, is one of the best parts of our job.”
Other completed Big Next Generation Libraries include the Deer Park and Walnut Hills branches, with the Delhi Township branch slated to join them upon completion of its current planning phase.
Current renovation projects include the Cheviot, Symmes Township and Mt. Healthy branches, with future projects set for 20 additional branches across the city.
