According to a yearly study from Central Connecticut State University, Cincinnati is (surprisingly) tied with Portland, Ore. for the prestigious title of 10th most literate city in America (Minneapolis and Seattle are tied for first). This is probably because of our great alternative weekly papers like the one you’re reading right now and assorted other things like the Mercantile Library. This membership-only library is a cultural institution that seeks to advance interest in the written word and to celebrate literary achievement. It is also home to The Walnut Street Poetry Society, founded in 2004, which is devoted to the reading and study of poetry. The society meets the second Wednesday of the month at noon with sessions moderated by group members and by Dr. Norman Finkelstein, poet and professor of English at Xavier University. Kick off the 2009 season with a noon session of readings by Kathy Y. Wilson, former CityBeater, current senior editor at Cincinnati Magazine and author of Your Negro Tour Guide, as well as Michael Haney, associate artistic director of the Playhouse in the Park. The event is free with desert and coffee.
Get membership and event details here.
