The Mercantile Library: A Hidden Gem of Cincinnati
Discover Cincinnati's literary heritage at The Mercantile Library, a serene retreat in the heart of the city, filled with books, history, and cultural events.
Nestled in the heart of Cincinnati's Central Business District, The Mercantile Library offers visitors a serene escape into a world of literature, history, and culture. With its stunning architecture, rich collection of books, and inviting reading spaces, it's the perfect spot for both avid readers and casual visitors alike.
A brief summary to The Mercantile Library
- 414 Walnut St #1100, Cincinnati, Central Business District, Ohio, 45202, US
- +1513-621-0717
- Visit website
- Monday 9 am-5:30 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-5:30 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-5:30 pm
- Thursday 9 am-5:30 pm
- Friday 9 am-5:30 pm
Local tips
- Check the library's event calendar online to catch author talks and special programs during your visit.
- Bring a book or your favorite reading material to enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the reading rooms.
- Explore the library’s collection of rare books and manuscripts, which can be accessed upon request.
- Take advantage of the library’s free Wi-Fi to catch up on work or research in a unique setting.
Getting There
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Public Transit - Bus
From Mason, head to the nearest bus stop which is located at the Mason Community Center on 6050 S. Mason Montgomery Rd. Take the Metro bus route 34 towards the Cincinnati Downtown area. Stay on the bus for approximately 30 minutes until you reach the '6th St & Main St' stop. From there, walk south on Main St for about 5 minutes until you reach Walnut St. Turn left on Walnut St and walk for another 2 minutes until you arrive at The Mercantile Library located at 414 Walnut St, Suite 1100.
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Walking
If you are in central Mason, you can start walking towards the Mason Community Center at 6050 S. Mason Montgomery Rd. From there, follow the same public transit instructions to take the bus to Cincinnati. If you prefer to walk the entire distance, it is roughly 20 miles to Cincinnati. You would take Mason Montgomery Rd south, then turn left onto Fields Ertel Rd, and follow it until you reach the I-71 N entrance. Continue walking along the I-71 N path towards downtown Cincinnati. This is a very long walk and not recommended unless you are an experienced hiker.
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Ride-Sharing Service
You can use a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft. Open the app and set your destination to The Mercantile Library, 414 Walnut St #1100, Cincinnati, OH 45202. A driver will pick you up from your location in Mason and take you directly to the library. The drive will take approximately 30 to 40 minutes depending on traffic conditions.
Discover more about The Mercantile Library
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