The Mercantile Library

Stationery Club, led by library member, Eric Caoili, is a gathering for anyone who appreciates good pens, paper, planners, and handwritten notes

We’ll have plenty of stationery and other useful tools available—think markers, washi tapes, paper, glue, stickers, junk journaling ephemera, and organizational supplies—to help you plan, write, and work with intention. We will even have stamps and letter writing materials for those cards you've been meaning to send.

Feel free to bring along any of your own stationery as well, along with items you want to dust off and de-stash with the group. You will have opportunities to show and tell us about what you're working on, and to share stationery you're excited about!

August's meeting will feature a special presentation from club member Joelle (reconnectandbefriendcoach) titled "Collecting Your Mind: An Introduction to Commonplace Books". A commonplace book is a personal notebook for capturing ideas, quotes, and observations. In this workshop, we'll explore what commonplace journaling is, where it comes from, and how to set one up in whatever notebook you already love. The presentation will run from 5:30 to 6PM.

RSVP Required. https://www.mercantilelibrary.com/events/calendar/2026/08/13/stationery-club

Min Jin Lee delivers the 2026 Niehoff Lecture, the Library's only annual fundraiser.

This series was first imagined in 1987 by Buck and Patti Niehoff as a way to bring the best and most engaging writers and speakers to The Mercantile Library and our city. From the beginning they have graciously underwritten the event.

TICKETS:
MEMBERS: $250*
NONMEMBERS: $300*
*Includes signed copy of American Hagwon
https://www.mercantilelibrary.com/events/calendar/2026/11/07/niehoff- # # -min-jin-lee

For information regarding sponsorships or purchasing more than eight tickets, contact Amy Hunter: [email protected]

Hyatt Regency Cincinnati
151 W 5th St.
Cincinnati, OH 45202

6 pm cocktail reception
7 pm multi-course dinner
8 pm lecture
Attire: Black-tie OR Cocktail

Don't miss our free public events in July & August

Stationery Club, led by library member, Eric Caoili, is a gathering for anyone who appreciates good pens, paper, planners, and handwritten notes

We’ll have plenty of stationery and other useful tools available—think markers, washi tapes, paper, glue, stickers, junk journaling ephemera, and organizational supplies—to help you plan, write, and work with intention. We will even have stamps and letter writing materials for those cards you've been meaning to send.

Feel free to bring along any of your own stationery as well, along with items you want to dust off and de-stash with the group. You will have opportunities to show and tell us about what you're working on, and to share stationery you're excited about!

July's meeting will also feature a demo with Alexis Fortuna Caoili () to make your own hand-bound mini books!

Closed in observance of Independence Day Friday, July 3 - Saturday, July 4

Closed for Juneteenth Friday, June 19, 2026.

Juliet laid her first egg on April 2, and by April 9 the nest held a clutch of four. On May 10, fittingly Mother’s Day, the first chick hatched. Two more soon followed, giving us three healthy eyases. The fourth egg will help future research at the Cincinnati Museum Center.

Last week, the chicks were banded by Jeff Hays, and we learned that Juliet & Beck are raising two females and one male! Their information will be added to the Midwest Peregrine Society database.

Now we need your help! 🐣
It's time to name Cincinnati’s newest falcons. Submit your choices. Names will be announced June 18. https://www.mercantilelibrary.com/name-the-falcons

The eyases are nearly full-grown, and before long we'll see them exploring beyond the nest box and taking their first flights.

Introducing Renga Roadtrip: A Summer Haiku Adventure

This summer, we're trading screens for sidewalks, rushing for reflection, and ordinary outings for poetic discovery.

Join Kara and Shannon for a three-part journey through Cincinnati as we explore rivers, butterflies, gardens, architecture, and trails through the art of haiku. Along the way we'll walk, observe, write, share, and connect with fellow readers and writers.

📍 June 12: River Walk
🦋 July 10: Butterflies & Foliage
🌿 September 3: Haiku Trail at Hueston Woods

Whether you're an experienced writer or simply curious about slowing down and paying attention, Renga Roadtrip is an invitation to see our city with fresh eyes.

The journey concludes with a collaborative zine featuring participants' poems, photographs, and reflections from the summer.

Because poetry isn't something far away. It's waiting wherever we choose to pay attention.

Presented by The Mercantile Library
Sponsored by Cathy Willis
In memory of Peggy Willis Lyles

Spots are VERY limited rsvp: Introducing Renga Roadtrip: A Summer Haiku Adventure

This summer, we're trading screens for sidewalks, rushing for reflection, and ordinary outings for poetic discovery.

Join Kara and Shannon for a three-part journey through Cincinnati as we explore rivers, butterflies, gardens, architecture, and trails through the art of haiku. Along the way we'll walk, observe, write, share, and connect with fellow readers and writers.

📍 June 12: River Walk
🦋 July 10: Butterflies & Foliage
🌿 September 3: Haiku Trail at Hueston Woods

Whether you're an experienced writer or simply curious about slowing down and paying attention, Renga Roadtrip is an invitation to see our city with fresh eyes.

The journey concludes with a collaborative zine featuring participants' poems, photographs, and reflections from the summer.

Because poetry isn't something far away. It's waiting wherever we choose to pay attention.

Presented by The Mercantile Library
Sponsored by Cathy Willis
In memory of Peggy Willis Lyles

Spots are VERY limited attend one session or all three: https://www.mercantilelibrary.com/events/calendar/2026/06/12/renga-road-trip

Second Saturday of each month, 12 noon-2pm. We will begin each session with One Poem At A Time, a close reading of a classic, noting matters of form, figures of speech, diction, and other features relevant to both readers and writers of poetry. Then a poetry-writing prompt and discussion, followed by thirty to forty minutes of drafting. Each session will end with a voluntary read-around of drafts, with general pointers for revision. Richard will also entertain questions about any aspect of the poetry game: submitting, publishing, networking, reading, performing. Occasionally, participants can take the opportunity to recite from memory a poem of their choice for the general delight of the group, if they so desire.

Kicking Off Summer with Free Events- Come and See Us!