A Room with a View: Discovering Cincinnati's Little Free Libraries

There’s a special kind of magic in stumbling upon a tiny, hand-built house full of books, nestled in a neighbor's front yard or standing proudly near a playground. These Little Free Libraries, with their simple, trusting motto of "Take a Book, Share a Book," are one of our favorite things about Cincinnati. They are more than just book boxes; they are signs of a connected community, a shared love for reading, and a belief that stories should be accessible to everyone.

This mission is at the very heart of what we do at Good Little Souls. We believe that sharing stories builds empathy and connection. Little Free Libraries are a beautiful, real-world example of this in action, and we wanted to encourage you to explore them with your family.

Our Favorite: The Library with a View in Price Hill

While there are dozens of these gems scattered across the city, there is one that holds a special place in our hearts. Tucked away next to Olden View Park and right near the Incline Public House, 2601 W 8Th St, Cincinnati, OH. you’ll find a Little Free Library with what might be the best reading view in the entire city.

You can pick out a new story for your little one, find a bench at the overlook, and read together with the entire Cincinnati skyline spread out before you. It’s a breathtaking spot that combines the beauty of our city with the simple joy of a good book. It’s an experience we can’t recommend enough.

More Neighborhood Treasures to Explore

While the view from Price Hill is hard to beat, these charming libraries are all over our city, each with its own personality. Here are a few others to get you started on your own neighborhood treasure hunt:

• Washington Park (Over-the-Rhine)

  • Location: 1300 Republic Street, Cincinnati, OH

  • Why we love it: This is a perfect spot to grab a new story before or after an afternoon of playing at one of the city's best parks.

• Hyde Park Square

  • Location: 3531 Shaw Avenue, Cincinnati, OH

  • Why we love it: You can make a whole afternoon of it—browse for a book, grab an ice cream, and enjoy the beautiful neighborhood.

• Mount Adams

  • Location: 800 Broadway, Cincinnati, OH

  • Why we love it: Finding this library feels like discovering a hidden gem, much like the charming and historic neighborhood itself.

• Findlay Market

  • Location: 1718 Pleasant St, Cincinnati, OH

  • Why we love it: It perfectly combines the joy of fresh food with the joy of fresh stories. Grab a book to read while you enjoy a snack from a local vendor.

Join the Adventure!

We encourage you to make a day of it! Pick a few locations and go on a Little Free Library tour of Cincinnati. And when you visit, consider leaving a book behind for the next person to find. It’s a wonderful way to share a story you’ve loved.

Let us know in the comments—what are some of your favorite Little Free Library locations in the city?