Category: News

Original stories from the UrbanCincy team.

News

Book clubs at the Merc

If you enjoy reading and are looking for an outlet to meet new people, engage in intelligent discourse, and do it all in the heart of Downtown, then the First Wednesday Book Discussion Group at the Mercantile Library may be for you.

Held on the first Wednesday of every month, the group meets from Noon-1pm at the Mercantile Library (GoogleMap). The monthly discussions cover a book of the leader’s choice of whom varies by month. The discussions are free for Mercantile Library members, and cost only $5 for nonmembers. Boxed lunches are also available through advanced reservations for $8.

So far in 2009 the group has covered The Emperor of Ocean Park by Stephen L. Carter (January) and The Botany of Desire by Michael Pollan (February). The March 4th discussion is going to cover Out of Stealing Horses by Per Petterson.

There is also a Graphic Novel Group that meets on the second Saturday of every month at 1pm. This group is free for anyone who wants to participate and is one of the few of its kind in the nation. The book for the March 14th discussion is Watchman by Alan Moore.

If you’re interested in participating in either of these discussion groups contact the Mercantile Library at (513) 621-0717 or by email at mercantileinfo[at]mercantilelibrary[dot]com.

The Mercantile Library is a non-profit membership library. First organized in 1835, the library is Cincinnati’s “senior” library and one of the oldest cultural institutions in the Midwest. If you’re interested in more Mercantile news, reviews and information check out the library’s blog – Stacked.

Additional Reading:
Cincinnati Mercantile Library – UrbanCincy

Tags Cincinnati, downtown, education, events

News

Transformation of NYC’s Madison Square

Post author By Randy A. Simes
Post date February 14, 2009
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I’ve been in a video sharing mood as of late so why stop now when I’ve got more great material to share. STREETFILMS shares a great piece with us about the transformation of NYC’s Madison Square. What was once a mess for autos and a nightmare for pedestrians, bicyclists, etc is now a beautifully landscaped public space.

The street network has been reconfigured and condensed in a way to free up public space that is heavily used. The area has become safer, cleaner, and more pleasant as a result. The film is excellent as it gives a great overview of the transformation and includes fantastic input from the users, of the space, to experts like my favorite – Jan Gehl.

There is another great film about Portland’s bicycle parking program. The film looks at on-street bicycle parking and areas known as a ‘bicycle oasis.’ These are things that could really be looked at as ways of empowering the local bicycling community here in Cincinnati. Enjoy!

Tags bicycles, nyc, planning, Transportation, urban design

News

Welcome UrbanCincy’s New Writers

Post author By Randy A. Simes
Post date February 13, 2009
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In an effort to increase the quantity and quality of the content on UrbanCincy four new writers have been added to the roster for a total of five altogether. All of them have contributed in one way, shape or form to UrbanCincy over the years.

Sherman Cahal (Over-the-Rhine), has been with UrbanCincy for several months now contributing content about Cincinnati’s history, bicycling community, and photography. He will continue with these roles and look to continue to develop new ideas and content for the site.

Brad Hawse (The Heights), is a returning writer and will look to fill us in on what is happening with Cincinnati’s YP community, the Uptown area, and other general news/info.

Chris St. Pierre (CUF), is a new member who will be adding in his expertise on political/legal issues and transportation policy.

Travis Estell (CUF), is the Technology Director for Bearcast Radio and runs the weekly Explore Cincinnati radio show (Fridays @ 10am). Travis will keep us informed on university related items, business news, infrastructure, and local media quips.

Adam Hawkins (Western Hills), has helped UrbanCincy in the past with theatre/performance reviews and will continue to contribute on that front in addition to photography and general musings from a Cincinnati westsider.

If there are certain topics that you think UrbanCincy spends too much or too little time on please let us know. We hope to be able to make the site a more comprehensive place to get all your information on Cincinnati and its urban core. Please feel free to get to know these new writers through their profile links in the left column, and share your thoughts with us in the comment section. Thanks for reading.