Smith & Hannon Bookstore, the Cincinnati, Ohio, African American bookstore, has moved from Bond Hill into the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. The bookstore is on the first floor of the museum; admission to the museum is not required to visit the bookstore.
"Smith & Hannon Bookstore will continue to be an accessible resource to the local community at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center," founder Joyce Smith said. "Now its reach will extend to readers of every age and background, extending the joy of reading and learning to a new generation of readers and future authors."
Clarence G. Newsome, president of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, commented: "We are elated to be the new home of Smith & Hannon Bookstore. It is important that we continue the tradition that Mrs. Smith began ... by providing the community with access to such an invaluable resource. People of all walks of life will be exposed to the great works of many African-American authors, as well as connect with up and coming authors."
The store was founded in 2001 when Smith retired after 30 years of teaching and administering in public and parochial schools. With the store, she aimed, the Enquirer wrote, "to create a community space where readers of every age could meet to read, connect and gain exposure and access to African American literature and authors."