Building Community in Neighborhoods

One hundred and fifty years ago a group of dedicated citizens formed the first library in our capital city. The Public Library and Reading Room opened on March 4, 1873 as a single room inside the second Columbus City Hall. Those modest origins were born out of a simple idea – to provide all people access to the resources they need to enrich their minds and transform their lives, their communities and our greater society.

Soon after a $150,000 gift from Andrew Carnegie brought Main Library to life in 1907, it became clear there was a need to build neighborhood branches to better serve the wider community. Strong civic support formed our first branches and that support continues today. Columbus Metropolitan Library is now 23 locations strong, providing 21st century libraries to the unique neighborhoods we serve.

Our year-long sesquicentennial celebration marks 15 decades of commitment to inspire reading, share resources and connect people, aspiring to build a thriving community where wisdom prevails.