Lane Libraries' Library of Things lets you check out acoustic guitars, ukuleles, banjos, a mandolin and sewing machines from the Oxford branch, plus seeds from the Lane Seed Library and kids' Launchpad tablets. Instruments and sewing machines are picked up and returned at the Oxford Lane Library.
Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library MakerSpaces
Eight Cincinnati & Hamilton County library locations have MakerSpaces where anyone can reserve 3D printers, a laser cutter/engraver, sewing and embroidery machines, recording and photo stations, media conversion and Adobe software for free. Some machines need materials sold at a small fee. The Downtown Main Library MakerSpace is open daily.
Verified Oct 27 · chpl.org
Catch: Reservation required · Some machines need materials sold at a small fee
Monday–Friday after school; times vary by branch (e.g. Downtown Main Library 4–5pm)
Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library branches
Kids and teens ages 1 to 18 can get a free meal after school, Monday to Friday, at 18 library locations including the Downtown Main Library, Price Hill, Walnut Hills, Westwood, Northside and the West End. Meals are eaten at the library. Times vary by branch (for example Downtown Main 4–5pm). No other eligibility rules.
Verified Oct 27 · chpl.org
Catch: Only for: ages 1–18 (and 19–21 with an IEP) · Must be eaten at the library
The Contemporary Arts Center downtown is free for visitors 18 and under and for SNAP/EBT recipients. General admission for everyone else is $12. Children 12 and under need an adult with them.
Verified Oct 27 · contemporaryartscenter.org
Catch: Only for: visitors 18 and under, and SNAP/EBT recipients ($12 for other adults) · Visitors 12 and under must come with an adult
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center · Cincinnati
The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center on the riverfront is free on Sunday, Nov 8, 2026, one of its Fifth Third Community Days. Regular adult admission is $21.50. The museum tells the stories of freedom's heroes from the Underground Railroad to today; plan on 3–4 hours. Reserve tickets online or in person; last entry 4:30pm.
The UC Choruses (Alta Petit, Juncta Juvant and the Cabaret Singers) sing choral classics and new works on Tuesday, November 10, at 7:30pm in Corbett Auditorium at UC's College-Conservatory of Music. About 60 minutes. Admission is free.
The CCM Wind Ensemble plays music spanning 112 years, from Holst's Second Suite in F to Gala Flagello's punchy Bravado, on Monday, November 16, at 7:30pm in Corbett Auditorium. About 75 minutes. Admission is free.
"Romantic Titans: Faith and Fire": the CCM Concert Orchestra performs Berlioz's Le Corsaire overture, Schumann's Konzertstück for four horns and Mendelssohn's "Reformation" Symphony on Tuesday, November 24, at 7:30pm in Corbett Auditorium. About 75 minutes. Admission is free.
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center · Cincinnati
The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center on the riverfront is free on Sunday, Dec 6, 2026, one of its Fifth Third Community Days. Regular adult admission is $21.50. The museum tells the stories of freedom's heroes from the Underground Railroad to today; plan on 3–4 hours. Reserve tickets online or in person; last entry 4:30pm.
The UC Symphony Orchestra, made up of students and faculty from across the University of Cincinnati, plays its winter concert on Wednesday, December 9, at 7:30pm in Corbett Auditorium. About 90 minutes. Admission is free.
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center · Cincinnati
The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center on the riverfront is free on Sunday, Dec 20, 2026, one of its Fifth Third Community Days. Regular adult admission is $21.50. The museum tells the stories of freedom's heroes from the Underground Railroad to today; plan on 3–4 hours. Reserve tickets online or in person; last entry 4:30pm.
Classes several times a week; appointments by request (see the library calendar)
Downtown Main Library · Cincinnati
The library's adult education program offers free classes (recent examples: Adobe Photoshop basics, block printing, drawing, learning apps) and free one-on-one appointments with staff at the Downtown Main Library for job searching and other goals. Book an appointment online, in person or by phone.
Verified Oct 27 · chpl.org
Catch: Library card required · Appointments must be booked ahead (online, in person or by phone)
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