A look back: The old Cincinnati public library

They paved paradise and put up a parking lot. Literally.

Anytime a beautiful old building is demolished, I lose a bit of my soul. Pragmatists will explain to you why it had to happen….” Upkeep was too expensive,” “It was no longer frequented,” “People wanted something different” yada yada yada.

What do I hear?! “We don’t cherish (or even take the time to appreciate) the thoughtful architecture that past decades have afforded us!” The story of the Old Cincinnati Public Library is a perfect example. What has been heralded as “the most exquisite library that has graced the United States,” was torn down and, no joke, turned into a parking lot.

Gorgeously intricate design was bulldozed and paved over with grey concrete slabs and I’m just here wondering how all the people in the city didn’t revolt. If I had been living, that might have been my “chain myself to the card catalog” moment.

Behold that majestic piece of property: