Sylvia Smith

I was just hanging out in the West End with my daughter when this picture was taken. I was showing her around—introducing her to the places where both of us grew up, like Laurel Homes, Lincoln Courts, and Stanley Rowe. I love the West End. I’ve lived here almost my entire life, first with my mother and then raising my own kids here. I worked for Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority for 31 years and retired this past December. I even bought a house through Cincinnati Habitat—right here in the West End. That says it all. I keep coming back. Everyone knows how much I love this place.

It’s convenient. I can walk or take the bus easily. That day, I was heading to work and passed by the library, which had been closed for renovations. I was so glad to see it reopening—my grandkids love that library. They’re young and love to read. When they visit, the first thing they say is, ‘Nana, can we go to the library?’ And it’s convenient, because they don’t have to cross the street.

I have six kids and 26 grandkids. The library helps keep them focused, helps remind them that there’s still good in the world. That’s why I like the library. That’s why I’m glad they reopened it. There’s so much negativity out there, but a good book can open doors.