Tag Archives: Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library

Madisonville Scrapbook

What a joy to have had the opportunity to recreate the Madisonville Scrapbook and make a support for it to be permanently displayed in the Madisonville Branch Library.


I love a challenge, and working with oversized pieces is always exhilarating. I am glad to be part of the team that was instrumental in preserving some of the valuable and exciting history of Madisonville. Props to Ashleigh Schieszer (overseer and mastermind), Jessica Ebert (documenter extraordinaire) Catarina Figueirinhas (artwork holder and pillar of steadfastness) and last but not least, Veronica Sorcher (supplying fun and offering her whole self as practical point of reference for the whole project).

Jessica and Veronica assisting Chris with adhering the turn-ins

Jessica and Veronica assisting Chris with adhering the turn-ins

My hope is that this project will be a catalyst for highlighting the importance of caring for and preserving the valuable history found in each community that the Public Library has the honor to serve. Though this project may seem a bit sizable, in truth it was worth the effort. I am confident that every community has remarkable history that can be cared for, as we preserve these stories we remember the events and individuals that have come before us. Let’s partner together to capture aspects of our culture that make up our past.

Veronica kindly obliged to modeling the scale of the scrapbook and its new cradle.

I am humbled and greatly appreciative for the opportunity to work in this department with such a great staff, and to be instrumental in preserving great works of art and historical information.

Before

After

Please click on the following link to download a one-page wonder zine about the preservation of the Madisonville scrapbook that you can cut, fold, and DIY!

ScrapbookOnePgWonder_CV_withInterior

Chris Voynovich (PLCH) – Senior Conservation Technician

Celebrating Innovation

On Nov. 1st in Langsam Library, Preservation Librarian, Holly Prochaska was mentioned at the UC Bicentennial publications reception for her essay titled, Serendipity and Stewardship as part of UC Libraries commemorative book, From the Temple of Zeus to the Hyperloop: University of Cincinnati Stories, edited by Greg Hand.  Her essay describes how the first-ever collaborative lab came to fruition in Cincinnati, OH and is accompanied by an array of essays written by varying authors who highlight innovative leadership in Cincinnati, including one essay by Archives and Rare Books Librarian, Kevin Grace, whose stories are always captivating.

During the bicentennial reception we also learned how Greg Hand’s anthology of over 30 essays complemented Professor David Stradling’s publication about Cincinnati’s historical celebrity, Daniel Drake.  Known for many accomplishments, I was surprised to learn how Drake played an instrumental role in the formation of the first public lending libraries in Ohio!   Stradling’s book, In Service to the City: A History of the University of Cincinnati, is an in-depth dive into Drake’s wide reaching influence in the 19th century.  Drake’s legacy and passion may be of interest to innovators today.  As a contemporary innovator, it’s easy to see why Holly was invited to write about her leadership role in the formation of the collaborative lab, as well as how nicely these books complement one another.
Meanwhile, at the Public Library… On Sunday, Nov. 4th, Public Library staff were given commemorative pins to celebrate milestone years of employment at the Staff Retiree and Recognition Reception.  Of particular mention…Chris Voynovich received a 2018 Rufus Award and was honored for 20 years of employment at the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County.  Nominated by former Senior Conservation Assistant, Veronica Sorcher, the Award recognized Chris in the category for Growth and Innovation for his work on preserving the oversized Madisonville Sesquicentennial scrapbook from 1959!  After a year of collaboration between the Madisonville Branch and Digital Services, the scrapbook was digitized, conserved, and returned home in improved condition with a brand new custom cradle, approximately 4 feet long.   Way to go, Chris!
Having only been gone a few short months, Veronica’s nomination of her colleague, Chris Voynovich, is a nostalgic reminder of Veronica’s thoughtful contributions she’s made over the last seven years at the Preservation Lab.  In Chris’ words, “I was blown away and almost fainted when the Director of the Library walked in the department to give me a Rufus award!”  Veronica, we’re wishing you well as you settle in near family in Nova Scotia!
Ashleigh Schieszer (PLCH)  —-  Special Collections Conservator, Lab Manager