The Mercantile Library is Cincinnati's Very Own 'Room of Requirement'

Operating since 1835, The Mercantile Library has been lending books in Cincinnati almost 20 years longer than our own public library.

Hidden away on the 11th floor of a downtown office building, the Merc is open to the public to browse and for events — and only requires a $55 annual membership fee to check out books. This gorgeous destination for our city's refined readers boasts a formidable collection of antique books intermingled with new releases and also features esteemed literary guest speakers. The Mercantile Library is located at 414 Walnut St., Downtown.

Photos by Hailey Bollinger