b'62 CVG CONCESSIONSCincinnati Intl Provides Novel Amenity for Guests and Staff BY SCOTT BERMANIn the ongoing effort to enrich thethe COVID-19 pandemic, airport executives passenger experience, Cincinnati/ began looking for creative options to reuse Northern Kentucky Internationalthe space. Airport (CVG) spent a mere $24,000 to turnCarlos Ruiz, director an empty concessions space into a libraryof Commercial that delights travelers and employees alike.Management at CVG, While the idea itself isnt new, CVG has addedwas specifically looking FACTS&FIGURESits own spin to the concept in several ways.for something outside of The airport partnered with local librariesthe box. Typically, when Project: The Airport Library to create a free collection of donated booksa concession space Location: Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Intl Airportthere for the taking, no library card requiredbecomes available,CARLOS RUIZ2024 Passenger Volume: 9.2 millionand no late fees assessed. Patrons ofthe first instinct is to Airlines: 14 all ages can simply come to the roughlyfind another retail tenant, he explains. Project Timeline: Discussions began in Sept. 2022;1,500-square-foot space in Concourse BHowever, in this case, we recognized that partnership with Kenton County Public Library started into browse, read and/or take a bookeitherreplacing the store would be challenging Jan. 2023; airport library formally opened in May 2023 to borrow or keep as they continue to theirsince the concourse already offered all of the Partners: Kenton County, Boone County, Campbelldestinations. The library, which opened intraditional retail options. That opened the County; Cincinnati & Hamilton County public libraryJune 2023, typically has about 1,000 titlesdoor for us to think differently. systems; Departure Media on its shelves, including options for adults, Facility Size: 1,497 sq. ft. (including back-of-houseThe goal was to create something that book storage area) teens and young children. added value for passengers and could Cost: About $24,000 to convert empty retail space intoHow CVG and other stakeholdersbe enjoyed by everyone, with a particular library; books are donated by libraries, airport staff,created this facility, simply called the Airportdesire for options that could deliver a big concessions workers, flight crews & travelersLibrary, is a telling example of how airportsimpact on customer experience. Avg. Inventory: About 1,000 titles (varies with usethroughout the industry are providing aRuiz reached out for ideas from & donations)reading respite for people navigating the Target Audiences: Adults, teens & young children Departure Media, a niche advertising hustle and bustle of air travel.agency that sells ad space at CVG and Key Benefits: Free books for travelers & airportother airports around the United States. employees; a distinctive, welcoming space thatThe Backstorycomplements nearby retail shops; forging partnershipsWhen Forever Heather, a womens apparel[CVG] is very focused on customer with area libraries; donation & volunteer opportunitiesexperience, and we were delighted to be for airport staff & tenant employeesstore in Concourse B, closed in 2020 during March | April 2026AirportImprovement.com'