b'CONCESSIONSCVG63Signs in the Concourse B library promote the Libby app and explain that patrons must already have a library card to use the digital service as there is no card approval capability at the airport. That said, the physical library at CVG does not require a library card, with users simply taking books to readoften returning them, but not necessarily.David Schroeder, director of the Kenton County Public Library, recalls quickly answering yes when the airport offered use of its vacant retail shop. CVG staff spruced up the space with fresh paint and some new furniture, provided Wi-Fi and shelving [to create] an inviting space that is a respite in the middle of the airport. DAVE SCHROEDERSoon, a ripple effect was in full force. Schroeder describes the response to the airport library as immediate and positive. In fact, the library had a hard time keeping up with demand, he recalls. In time, we reached out to our neighboring libraries to help us supply books. The libraries are on a rotating schedule to deliver materials to the airport. CVG staff shelve the books and keep the space clean and inviting. A typical PHOTO: CVG monthly delivery contains 60 to 100 books.By coincidence, Archie Carper, operations manager for Concessions at CVG, was heading off to accept and process a asked by them to brainstorm on ideas for themonthly delivery after speaking with Airport empty storefront, says Nina Himes, directorImprovement for this article. The books of Sales at Departure Media. The agencysarriving that day were from Kenton County effort was guided by CVGs interest in findingLibrary. Carper also shelves and arranges something unique and engaging that wouldbooks, spending roughly 30 minutes each dayARCHIE CARPERnot only improve the passenger journey,at the library as part of his job responsibilities. but also create that very important sense of place, she explains.NINA HIMES Other IterationsBy chance, Himes already had been talking with managementAlthough the library at CVG is the first Departure Media has helped at the Kenton County Public Library in Covington, KY, aboutset up, Himes and her colleagues are talking with other airports about buying advertising space at the airport, and it occurred to hersimilar ventures. The timing is right, as several throughout North that the concessions vacancy could offer a surprising alternativeAmerica have been rolling out libraries and other reading programs.to traditional advertising. The alternative she envisioned was aThis past November, Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport tangible, interactive display space in the form of an airport library.announced a partnership with the Oakland Public Library for Libby It seemed like a natural fit and.a win-win for everyone involved,access to its e-book, digital magazine and audiobook collections. recalls Himes.Other examples include free book carts at several airports and, After that, the airport, the advertising agency and Kentonamong others:County joined forces to make it happen. Later, the regional library a small Take One, Leave One collection at Philadelphia systems of Boone and Campbell counties in Kentucky, as well asInternational Airport; Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library in Ohio also cameFlybrary free lending service at Redmond Municipal Airport on board.in Oregon; Physical and Digital free Books with an Altitude library in Miami Internationals The library in Concourse B supplements a program introducedSouth Terminal; in 2022 that allows guests with an area library card to use ana childrens library in Terminal A at Newark Liberty app called Libby at CVG, which provides downloads of e-books,International; audiobooks and magazines, including Kenton County Public LibraryBooks on the Fly library at Rochester International Airportcollections. This allows travelers to download material to read orin Minnesota; listen to during their flights. AirportImprovement.comMarch | April 2026'