Public Library Sculpture, Cincinnati

Located on the Vine Street Plaza in front of the Main Library, the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County (PLCH) Sculpture-affectionately known as the "book fountain"-is one of the city’s most beloved landmarks. Conceived and created by former Cincinnati sculptor Michael Frasca, this eye-catching artwork was made possible by a 1982 bequest from Mrs. Amelia Valerio Weinberg and was officially dedicated in 1990.

The sculpture features a towering stack of ceramic books-visually reminiscent of oversized, leatherbound volumes-crafted from fired clay layered over a concrete core. At its center, a gentle cascade of water once flowed, symbolizing the idea that "knowledge flows from the printed word." Originally a functioning fountain, it was a popular destination for school groups, passersby, and tourists alike.

Following the 2024 renovation of the Main Library’s South Building, the fountain element was removed, and the sculpture was carefully disassembled, restored, and reinstalled in its current form as a permanent tribute to the enduring power of books. Today, it stands as both a public artwork and a symbol of the library’s commitment to the free flow of ideas.