Contributed
The Honorable Melba D. Marsh, a West End native herself, donated the prize money for the Mary Finley Memorial Essay and Speech Contest, conducted by the West End Branch of the Public Library. Marsh credits Mary Finley for her pursuing a career in law.
The library service in the West End this year reinstated the Mary Finley Memorial Essay and Speech Contest, which had not occurred since 2013.
“It’s great for our new generation. It also allows others to know how important the library is to them,” said Tawanda Johnson, West End staff member and grandmother of a former contest winner.
Started in 2002 by retired librarian George Ferguson, the contest honors Mary Finley, one of the first African American librarians hired by the Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library who influenced Ferguson as a young man growing up in the community.
Contestants are asked to reflect upon what the library means to them and compose an essay about the topic. The first-place winner received a $150 Visa gift card.