Amelia Valerio Weinberg Memorial Fountain known as the book fountain,
is located on the Vine Street Plaza in front of the Main Library. Conceived and executed by former Cincinnati sculptor Michael Frasca, this ornamental fountain was made possible by a bequest from Mrs. Weinberg and was dedicated in 1990. Affectionately known as the “book fountain,” the sculpture features water cascading over a stack of ceramic tile books, representing the free flow of information and ideas through the printed word. The fountain is a popular spot for school groups and tourists.
Image credits: Jean-François Schmitz
Louise Nevelson Sculpture
The 8th & Walnut Street entrance to the Main Library is flanked by “Sky Landscape II,” a major public sculpture by world-renowned artist Louise Nevelson (1899–1988). The 3,800-pound, 20-foot tall painted steel sculpture was relocated to the library on January 8, 1993. It had been given to the City of Cincinnati by Federated Department Stores (now known as Macy’s), who had commissioned the piece in 1980 for the entrance to their 7 West Seventh Street headquarters.
See the Polar Bear and Allosaurus from the Cincinnati Museum Center
The Cincinnati Museum Center’s polar bear now welcomes visitors to the Main Library. The polar bear, the Earth’s largest land predator, is on display in the Main Library Atrium near the elevators. The Main Library is also housing the Museum Center’s Allosaurus, a fearsome carnivore which sat atop the food chain over 150 million years ago and has been a favorite amongst visitors to the Museum Center’s Dino Hall. The Allosaurus is now housed on the second floor bridge spanning the north and south buildings of the Main Library, between the TechCenter and MakerSpace. Both pieces will remain at Main Library for about the next two years, as renovation work on the Museum Center is completed.
