TH IN G S YOU NE E D TO S E E
T H E F R I E N DS
Relive the magic of childhood toys with new exhibit at the Main Library
In Memoriam: Rob Monteserin
Just in Time for the Holidays: Kenner Toys celebrates the history and legacy of Cincinnati-based Kenner products. Founded in 1947 by the Steiner brothers, the company was named after a Cincinnati street in the West End, home to the company’s first headquarters. Throughout its history, Kenner produced widely popular toys and merchandise lines, including the original series of Star Wars action figures.
Rob came to the Friends of the Public Library as a volunteer some eight years ago and quickly grasped the work, embraced the mission, and understood the environment. Hired in October 2007 as Volunteer Manager, Rob was an integral part of the book warehouse operation.
The exhibit runs Nov. 20–Jan. 16, 2016 in the Joseph S. Stern, Jr. Cincinnati Room on the third floor of the Main Library. Curated by Josh Blake and Dan Flarida of KennerCollector.com, it will showcase Kenner-designed toys and brands from more than six decades, including the Easy-Bake Oven, Play-Doh, Strawberry Shortcake, Care Bears, and Star Wars.
Photos provided by Kenner Collector
KENNER TOYS SYMPOSIUM On Saturday, Dec. 12, 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m., attend a day-long celebration of Kenner Toys at the Main Library. The event includes panel discussions, photos with Star Wars characters, and the premiere of the documentary Plastic Galaxy: The Story of the Star Wars Toys, highlighting Kenner Toys’ contribution to the Star Wars phenomenon. Following the film, director Brian Stillman will moderate a panel discussion with designers of the original Star Wars toys.
View a remarkable collection of classic children’s literature When 7-year-old Jean Alva Goldsmith passed away in 1929, her parents donated her books to the Library and established a trust fund which the Library used to amass a treasure trove of the finest examples of children’s literature. The highlights of this collection are on display through Jan. 4, 2016 in the atrium of the Main Library. 8
LibraryLinks | Winter 2016
ENVELOPE SHOWCASES RELATIONSHIP BUILDING THROUGH MAIL ART In the fall of 2013, Visionaries + Voices put out an international call for Mail Art. With the theme “Neighborhood,” no limitations were placed on medium or size and V+V committed to responding to the first 200 submissions received with mail art by an artist from V+V. The response to the call for entries was overwhelming, connecting V+V with an international mail art network. ENVELOPE showcases relationship building through art. Unlike most exhibitions sponsored by V+V, where art created by artists working from the V+V studios is curated for exhibition; what will be on display will be a combination of V+V work and what’s been received from the world highlighting international connections with renown Fluxus/Mail Artists. Hundreds of artistic pieces, made of different parts of correspondence including stamps, envelopes, and postcards, will be on display in the atrium of the Main Library Jan. 6–March 10, 2016.
BY ANNE KELLER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE FRIENDS OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY
His ability and willingness to take on any work—from recruiting committed volunteers to providing one-on-one training and initiating proper recordkeeping—was evidence of his professional volunteer management skills. But he also possessed a rare and wonderful gift to inspire the dedication of his 500 annual volunteers and cajole his weekly crews to sort, shelve, and box thousands of items. In addition to his hard work, he brought a well-honed understanding of thrift-shoppers, a range of reading interests and knowledge, an untiring pursuit of improvement, an engaging wit, and a goodness that few can claim. He was the Friends’ best friend!
THE FRIENDS WISH TO THANK THE FOLLOWING DONORS FOR MEMORIALS MADE IN ROB’S MEMORY Eunice H. Abel
Judy Holloway
Joanna H. Ach
Kenneth R. Hughes
Lois Adrian
Mr. and Mrs. Duane V. Keller
Mr. and Mrs. Richard N. Aft
Mary Ann Knoop
Dr. and Mrs. Jose G. Algenio
Paula Kutcher
Cheri Ann Allison
Sooncha Lee
John H. Appel
Mr. and Mrs. Robert S. Louderback
Andrew Balterman
Susan McHugh
Amy Banister and Carl Stich
Fawn O’Hara
Allen W. Bernard
Karen Petrosky and Brad Dunn
Rose M. Blankenbuehler
Cathy Pulliam
Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Cody
A. “Dolly” Rice
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Connelly
Mr. and Mrs. Edward E. Rice
Mr. and Mrs. Doug Cowan
Mary Rosselot
Sylvie Falk
Maria A. Sferra
Karen Fields
Staff Association, Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County
Mr. and Mrs. Jules Freedman Susan M. Grote Julia H. Hawgood Barbara Heldman and Robert Collins Mr. and Mrs. Richard Helmes
Cheryl R. Tieman Helen B. Waits Don Weiss Lenora Whiston-McCoy
Holiday shopping is easy at the Library Friends’ Shop EXTENDED HOLIDAY HOURS Nov. 27–Dec. 23 Monday–Friday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Sunday, 1–5 p.m. Do your holiday gift shopping at the Library Friends’ Shop inside the Main Library! Gift-givers will find Charley Harper merchandise, German glass, Kissing Krystal ornaments, and snuggly scarfs and accessories. The Library Friends’ Shop also has coloring books for all ages! Take advantage of a 25 percent discount during the Annual Holiday Open House Sunday, Nov. 29, 1–4 p.m. Come again for great deals at our Work, Shop, Save Event Tuesday, Dec. 8, 5–8:30 p.m.
WINTER WAREHOUSE USED BOOK SALE January 14–17, 2016 8456 Vine Street in Hartwell Open Thursday, Jan. 14, 10 a.m.–7:30 p.m.; Friday, Jan. 15 and Saturday, Jan. 16, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sunday, Jan. 17, noon to 5 p.m. Shop from more than 80,000 items, including children’s and adult books, books on CD, DVDs and CDs, books on tape, and even vinyl records! Most items priced from $1–$4. Cash, check, MasterCard, or Visa accepted. Find out more about the Library Friends’ Shop and the Winter Warehouse sale at Friends.CincinnatiLibrary.org.
LibraryLinks | Winter 2016
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