
Catherine Allen Latimer sitting in front of file cabinets at the New York Public Library
Celebrating Catherine Allen Latimer, NYPL’s first African-American Librarian.
Catherine Allen Latimer was New York Public Library’s first African American librarian. She was hired as a substitute in 1920 after being an assistant at Tuskegee Institute’s library for a year from 1919-1920.[1] She stayed for her entire career until she retired in 1946. She founded the Division of Negro Literature, History and Prints at the 135th Street Branch of NYPL in 1925. This was a precursor to the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. Later, she was promoted to a curator of the same by Arturo Alfonso Schomburg.
Catherine was born in Nashville, TN in 1896. Her family eventually moved to NYC. She was educated during her early life in Germany and France. She spoke French fluently and read German. For high school, she attended public schools in Brooklyn, NY. Her undergraduate work and library training took place at Howard University and she completed some graduate work at Columbia University.[2]
Over her career, she lectured to students of Wellesley College, Columbia University, Vassar College, Smith College, Hunter College and Pratt Institute. Continue reading
The Life of the Mind lecture series has merged with the former Authors, Editors & Composers to create one event that celebrates the achievements of UC’s Artists, Authors, Editors & Composers.

Most University of Cincinnati Libraries locations have reduced hours for Spring Break, March 12-20. Check the library website for a list of
On Tuesday, March 15, 2022, at 5:30 p.m., Bruce Giffin and Cynthia Klestinec will present, “Innovative Teaching of Human Anatomy beginning in the 1500s and Vesalius.”
Following the lecture will be a reception held in front of the Henry R. Winkler Center for the History of the Health Professions (next to Kresge Auditorium). Exhibits showcasing the life and work of Andreas Vesalius will be available for viewing in both the Donald C. Harrison Health Sciences Library and the Winkler Center’s Stanley J. Lucas Board Room.
Looking for resources about the present crisis in Ukraine? The University of Cincinnati Libraries can help. Librarians have created a Research Guide that includes library resources, including books, journal articles, news reports and more.
As in previous years, entries will be judged according to such categories as “Most Delicious,” “Most Creative,” “Most Checked Out” and “Most Literary.” Those awarded “Best Student Entry” and “Best Overall” will win a limited-edition, much coveted UC Libraries t-shirt.