The library is known for book worms, but lately they are busy beavers.
The Columbus Metropolitan Library has two projects underway — and two more in the pipeline — amid the second phase of their multi-year development plan. We checked out details and cataloged them all right here.
Barnett Branch
A temporary location will start operations today while the new Barnett branch is built. | Rendering via @columbuslibrary
The 30+ year old Barnett Branch closed for construction on May 4, but good news: A temporary location at 3227 E. Livingston Ave. opened today at 9 a.m. If you want to say goodbye to the now-defunct library, a wall breaking ceremony will be held on Wednesday, May 22 at 3 p.m. Once construction is completed, it will increase from 12,300 sqft to 22,000 sqft.
Linden Branch
This new branch in Linden will open in 2025, per the Columbus Library. | Photo via @columbuslibrary
The Linden Branch — located at 2223 Cleveland Ave. — is temporarily closed after crews rolled in last month. The build is expected to be completed in 2025, featuring two stories and 27,000 sqft of space, nearly doubling its previous size. A satellite library has popped up at 1990 Jefferson Ave. in the meantime.
Canal Winchester Branch
The first Canal Winchester branch was opened in 2016, but the Library began its search to find a new location in 2020. | Rendering via Columbus Metropolitan Library
The Columbus Library was approved for a new Canal Winchester location at 123 Groveport Rd., according to Zoning and Planning Commission documents. The project has been through multiple considerations, including two rounds of public comments and lengthy meetings with officials.
The new $24 million location will be nearly six times larger than the previous, jumping from 5,400 sqft to 30,000 sqft. However, a timeline for construction hasn’t been disclosed. The library is tentatively aiming for an opening in 2025.
Marion-Franklin Branch
Officials are still seeking locations for a new Marion-Franklin branch. | Photo via Columbus Metropolitan Library
This is still in the early stage of development, but the library hopes to increase its size from 4,000 sqft to 10,000 sqft. They continue to work with the community to guide plans, locations, and offerings.
