Cincinnati Public Library photograph   Save
Works Progress Administration, Ohio Guide Photographs
Description: This photograph shows two men sitting at a table repairing books at the Cincinnati Public Library, Cincinnati, Ohio, on June 8, 1936. Both men are in shirtsleeves; the man on the right has dipped an instrument (probably a brush) into a tin of commercial paste. The books on the table are in various states of disrepair. Bookcases made of wood and glass are visible in the background. The Federal Writers Project of the Works Progress Administration (WPA) instituted a work relief program in library instruction and services. The library program was administered by its Division of Women's and Professional Projects. The program's goal was to demonstrate librarians’ techniques to underserved populations with new libraries, new bookmobiles, and newly bound books. Although WPA library demonstration projects nationwide served African Americans and the rural poor, WPA work crews in libraries remained segregated. The project also generated controversy. The "Bulletin of the American Library Association" reported that the bindery industry accused the WPA of “workstealing.” The bookbinding work shown here was titled “Project #16-31-699: W.P.A. Bookbinding project in Cincinnati Public Library, Cincinnati, Ohio." The library began as a subscription library in 1802. On March 14, 1853, it became the Cincinnati Public Library. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: AL06192
Subjects: Libraries--Ohio--History; Bookbinding; Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County; Cincinnati (Ohio); United States. Works Progress Administration; Federal Writers' Project;
Places: Cincinnati (Ohio); Hamilton County (Ohio)