{"id":4685,"date":"2024-07-12T14:03:18","date_gmt":"2024-07-12T18:03:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/libapps.libraries.uc.edu\/thepreservationlab\/?p=4685"},"modified":"2024-08-30T09:47:06","modified_gmt":"2024-08-30T13:47:06","slug":"meet-me-at-main-exhibit-prep-for-reopening","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/libapps.libraries.uc.edu\/thepreservationlab\/2024\/07\/meet-me-at-main-exhibit-prep-for-reopening","title":{"rendered":"Meet Me at Main: Exhibit Prep for Reopening!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

After a 43 million dollar renovation<\/a> spanning three and a half years, the CHPL downtown library reopened July 12th, 2024<\/a><\/strong>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In preparation for reopening, the Preservation Lab has been working closely with a variety of CHPL staff to prepare collection items and exhibit cases for display.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To celebrate the dramatic reveal of updates, we’ve provided before and after pictures of the Main downtown library followed by a sneak peek at some of the exhibits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Main Library Before, During, and After Renovations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Before construction<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Installation of scaffolding for skylight maintenance<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Nearing completion<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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July 12th, 2024 – Opening Day! A view of the atrium with a new social staircase.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Exhibits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Exhibit prep work consisted of treatment, matting, creating custom supports, install on site (and more!) for eight<\/strong> different exhibits!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Eugenia Rhein Doll Collection<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Eugenia holds a Spanish doll wearing a cofrades hat symbolizing penance, often worn on Easter<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Located in the Nolan Room (namesake of John T. Nolan Jr, president of the board of trustees from 1951-1983, known as \u201cJack\u201d), are a collection of dolls from all over the world, representing nearly 100 countries. The dolls were gifted to the Library by Eugenia Rhein who was an administration assistant and a deeply committed employee for over 40 years. During Eugenia’s extensive travels she collected the dolls from countries such as Kuwait, Algeria, Rhodesia, Korea, Pakistan, Whales and more. In the 1970’s the dolls were often used in displays at the library to tell stories about children from other cultures by the Children’s Librarian.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Image of Eugenia<\/a> is courtesy of the Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The Nolan Room<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Now open to the public, this uniquely round room is located on the third floor next to the tower room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Staged dolls<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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The Nolan Room<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Labeled by country<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

During Doll Installation<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Matt McCoy cleans the glass inside and out<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Empty doll boxes during installation<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Dolls were examined for condition during install. Dolls too fragile (or broken) were left stored in their corrugated clamshells. Dolls in good condition were carefully placed on stands, secured around their waste. Larger dolls required special strapping or additional supports to secure the object in place. Minor treatment was performed on site to repair dolls, reduce creasing in outfits, or clean dust and debris.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Fragile doll remains in box<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Extra support required<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Portuguese doll on stand<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

2. Veterans Exhibit<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Located on the second floor at the top of the social staircase, a new purpose built space was built for the Veteran’s exhibit where artifacts are displayed in concert with stories provided by a digital exhibit<\/a> and recorded interviews<\/a>. The Book of Homage is highlighted with the pages turned periodically to reveal lists of names. Original War Bond posters, that were conserved and matted by the Preservation Lab, show the Victory Book Campaign requesting Americans donate books to their local library. War Bond posters will be rotated periodically to protect the vibrant printed colors from fading and the papers from darkening, but perhaps more importantly, show the wide range of art and messages conveyed during times of war.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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New purpose-built Veterans exhibit the day of opening<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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One of my favorite war bond posters drawn by DR. SEUSS! (Not currently on display but available upon request.)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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