Paula Brehm-Heeger, Eva Jane Romaine Coombe Director of the Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library shares what she is reading and her favorite little-known service.
WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE AUTHOR?
Whatever author I am reading tends to become my new favorite! I am a big fan of Dan Simmons with his blend of historical and supernatural elements. Recently, I have also enjoyed Amal El-Mohtar and Micaiah Johnson.
WHAT ARE YOU READING RIGHT NOW?
“Leviathan Wakes” by James S. A. Corey. This is the first book in the series on which The Expanse TV series was based. It is amazing and I have the second book in the series, “Caliban’s War,” on hold so that I don’t miss a beat on this epic and riveting sci-fi story.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LITTLE-KNOWN SERVICE OUR LIBRARY OFFERS?
The Discovery Pass, a partnership-based program offering library cardholders free passes to arts, cultural, and recreational attractions throughout Hamilton County.
The list of participating organizations to which cardholders can check out passes includes:
- American Sign Museum
- Cincinnati Art Museum Special Exhibitions
- Cincinnati Museum Center
- Great Parks of Hamilton County
- The Harriet Beecher Stowe House
- Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum
HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED WITH LIBRARIES?
During my senior year of high school in 1990, I was a student assistant at the Green Township branch, putting books back on shelves. I liked the work so much that I continued with our CHPL system for four years at various locations before heading to graduate school at Indiana University for my master’s degree in Library and Information Science. I worked for several libraries in Indiana and Missouri and came back to the Greater Cincinnati area in the early 2000s. I have been fortunate to work for our excellent Public Library system since my return.
WHICH UPCOMING PROJECT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED FOR?
I am very excited about our Facility Master Plan to increase access to our buildings. When we started planning for this multi-year project in 2018, three of our 41 public facilities were not accessible. We opened the renovated and expanded Price Hill Branch in spring 2021. The Walnut Hills Branch is another renovation and expansion, and the Madisonville Branch will be relocated across the street. Reopening for both branches is expected later this year.
Learn more about the Facility Master Plan, Discovery Pass and more at cincinnatilibrary.org
