The First Four Library Branches

In 1896 the city appropriated funds to expand the library’s space in City Hall by using vacant land to the east of the building. Visits continued to grow to nearly 100,000 with 13,000 cardholders. However, by 1900, the library was running out of space again. In 1901 chief librarian John Pugh met with Andrew Carnegie to fund a new library building. Carnegie offered $150,000 for building a new library, with the condition that the city appropriate at least $20,000 per year for maintenance. After four years of building the library was dedicated on April 4, 1907. The new library included an auditorium, an exhibit space, and a dedicated children’s space.

Soon after Main Library opened in 1907, it became clear that there was a need for branch libraries in Columbus neighborhoods. Horse-and-buggy traffic along Grant Ave. led to congestion and hitching posts near Main Library were often at capacity. Also, Columbus residents wanted library locations closer to home. However, Andrew Carnegie was no longer funding libraries and City Council did not have funds for branch libraries. The Board of Trustees decided to create library “deposit” locations in fire stations, settlement houses and schools. Deposit locations had about 100-500 books for visitors to read. The Godman Guild was the first deposit location in 1910. Others included Bellows Avenue Recreation Center, the Crittenden Home, the B’nai B’rith Social Center, Hague Avenue School, the Juvenile Detention Home and the South Side Settlement House.

After World War I, there were repeated calls for branch libraries. Fred J. Heer, president of the library Board, appealed to the Federation of Women’s Clubs for help. On January 17, 1928, the women marched to City Hall to demand funds for branches. Two weeks later, City Council appropriated $40,000 to build four: Clintonville, Linden, Parsons and Hilltop. There was an enormous public response to the new branches. Within 10 years, the combined branches exceeded the annual circulation numbers of Main Library. Rose G. Beresford was tapped to lead the Department of Extension Services in 1928, where she served until 1942. Under her leadership, the Milo Branch opened in 1930.

Linden Branch

The first Linden Branch opened in 1928. The building was located at 1751 E. Aberdeen Ave. Pictured here is the third location of the Linden Branch at 2432 Cleveland Ave, opened in 1952. The location was designed by Harry Roderick and offered customers natural light with its large windows.

Main Library

The Columbus Public Library under construction. The library greatly expanded in size when it moved into its own building in 1907, but as circulation increased the library quickly ran out of space for the book collection.

Clintonville Branch

The Whetstone Branch started as the Clintonville Branch at 3317 N. High St. on October 4, 1928. The permanent location is pictured here at 14 W. Lakeview Ave. This building opened May 27, 1929 with a collection of 4,000 books. It served Clintonville until a larger building opened at 2800 N. High St. on March 31, 1969.

Parsons Branch

The first Parsons Branch served the Southside of Columbus from 1928-1956 at 1124 Parsons Ave. The library opened with 1,800 books, with 500 books in German. Margaret Bausch was chosen as the head librarian because she could speak German, like so many of the customers in the neighborhood.

Hilltop Branch

The first Hilltop Branch opened in 1928 at 21 N. Hague Ave. The library opened with 1,800 books to much fanfare from the neighborhood. In 1950 the branch pictured became the new Hilltop Branch at 2955 W. Broad St. It was the first library owned neighborhood branch to be built.

Milo Branch

Opened in 1930 at 768 Leona Ave., the Milo Branch was the fifth neighborhood branch built, and the first built after the original four that opened in 1928. The branch closed in 1950 when it was replaced by a bookmobile stop.