Operating since 1835, The Mercantile Library has been lending books in Cincinnati almost 20 years longer than our own public library. Hidden away on the 11th floor of a downtown office building, the Merc is open to the public to browse and for events — and only requires a $55 annual membership fee to check out books. This gorgeous destination for our city’s refined readers boasts a formidable collection of antique books intermingled with new releases and also features esteemed literary guest speakers. The Mercantile Library is located at 414 Walnut St., Downtown. More info: mercantilelibrary.com.
Photos by Hailey Bollinger
The Mercantile Library Hailey Bollinger
Hailey Bollinger
Hailey Bollinger
The 8-foot-tall statue, “Silence,” greets visitors as they enter the 11th-floor library Hailey Bollinger
The magazine racks in this historic photo are still in use in the library today Hailey Bollinger
Hailey Bollinger
Hailey Bollinger
Hailey Bollinger
The Mercantile Library collection is home to more than 80,000 books Hailey Bollinger
A spiral staircase leads to the library’s lecture room Hailey Bollinger
Records of the Young Men’s Mercantile Library Association 1835-1848 Hailey Bollinger
Hailey Bollinger
The front door lock to the old Mercantile Library location Hailey Bollinger
Hailey Bollinger
An old visitor registry book Hailey Bollinger
Hailey Bollinger
Archival photograph from the library Hailey Bollinger
Hailey Bollinger
Hailey Bollinger
Historic Mercantile members Hailey Bollinger
Hailey Bollinger