January 1, 20205 yr CML’s 2020 Vision Plan, which was developed in 2009 to address and prioritize the needs of its aging locations and the evolving community demands upon them, was implemented throughout the past decade. Phase I of that plan renovated or rebuilt 10 of CML’s 23 locations: new Driving Park branch opened July 12, 2014 new Whitehall branch opened April 11, 2015 new Parsons branch opened June 4, 2016 transformed Main Library opened June 25, 2016 new Northern Lights branch opened Sept. 24, 2016 new Shepard branch opened Oct. 13, 2016 new Northside branch opened June 22, 2017 new Hilliard branch opened June 21, 2018 new Martin Luther King branch opened Oct. 18, 2018 new Dublin branch opened June 6, 2019 CML created this video recapping the transformation of their library system over the past decade:
February 18, 20205 yr On 5/8/2019 at 10:38 AM, Columbo said: Karl Road branch: Moody Nolan has been chosen as the design architect for the new Karl Road branch. The current Karl Road branch at 5590 Karl Road was constructed in 1988 and has 20,000 square feet of space. The new building – to be built on the same site as the current branch – is expected to double in size to approximately 40,000 square feet. The first of four projects in CML's Phase II building improvement list will begin in March. The Columbus Metropolitan Library system will break ground on a new Karl Road branch on March 25. The new library will be built in front of the current one at 5590 Karl Road. The goal is to keep the current branch open during construction of the new building, which is expected to be completed by Summer 2021. More about it at https://www.thisweeknews.com/news/20200217/construction-on-columbus-library-systems-new-karl-road-branch-to-begin-in-march
November 12, 20204 yr On 5/8/2019 at 10:38 AM, Columbo said: https://www.columbuslibrary.org/press/board-trustees-authorizes-library-move-forward-four-additional-building-projects Columbus Metropolitan Library’s (CML) Board of Trustees has authorized four additional building projects for its library system: new Karl Road branch on its existing site Hilltop branch renovation and expansion Reynoldsburg branch renovation or rebuild Gahanna branch renovation, rebuild or relocation An update on the four library projects approved by the CML's Board of Trustees last year - pre-coronavirus. Two are moving ahead with construction and two are pausing before construction begins: Columbus Metropolitan Library pauses Gahanna, Reynoldsburg branch projects amid budget questions during coronavirus The Columbus Metropolitan Library has hit the pause button on building new branches in Gahanna and Reynoldsburg – at least until officials are sure they have recovered from the coronavirus pandemic's impact on library finances. However, the library is still moving forward with construction of its new Karl Road branch and the renovation of the Hilltop branch, both of which were already underway. The Gahanna project and Reynoldsburg project were both at points where they could be easily paused, Library CEO Pat Losinski said. The Gahanna project had completed design, but the Reynoldsburg branch had not started that step yet. No shovels were in the ground at either project. On the other hand, library officials just celebrated the installation of the final steel beam at the Karl Road branch, which is expected to open in 2021. ... The Hilltop branch is at mid-renovation and is expected to reopen in 2021. MORE: https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2020/10/14/columbus-metropolitan-library-construction.html
November 12, 20204 yr That same Business First article also contained some renderings and a site plan of the new Karl Road library building. I don't recall seeing the site plan or the view from Karl Road previously. So here they are: SITE PLAN VIEW FROM KARL ROAD More renderings at https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2020/10/14/columbus-metropolitan-library-construction.html
November 19, 20204 yr The final steel beam was installed last month at the new Karl Road branch library: https://www.columbuslibrary.org/press/library-tops-out-new-karl-road-branch The CML website also has a slideshow of the construction work at the Karl Road location: https://www.columbuslibrary.org/buildings_phase_two
January 16, 20214 yr On 11/12/2020 at 11:22 AM, Columbo said: An update on the four library projects approved by the CML's Board of Trustees last year - pre-coronavirus. Two are moving ahead with construction and two are pausing before construction begins: Columbus Metropolitan Library pauses Gahanna, Reynoldsburg branch projects amid budget questions during coronavirus The Columbus Metropolitan Library has hit the pause button on building new branches in Gahanna and Reynoldsburg – at least until officials are sure they have recovered from the coronavirus pandemic's impact on library finances. However, the library is still moving forward with construction of its new Karl Road branch and the renovation of the Hilltop branch, both of which were already underway. The Gahanna project and Reynoldsburg project were both at points where they could be easily paused, Library CEO Pat Losinski said. The Gahanna project had completed design, but the Reynoldsburg branch had not started that step yet. No shovels were in the ground at either project. On the other hand, library officials just celebrated the installation of the final steel beam at the Karl Road branch, which is expected to open in 2021. ... The Hilltop branch is at mid-renovation and is expected to reopen in 2021. MORE: https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2020/10/14/columbus-metropolitan-library-construction.html Construction of the Gahanna branch is getting "unpaused". CML unveiled the design for its new branch library in Gahanna this week. The proposed 37,500-square-foot building is now scheduled to break ground this summer and is slated for completion by late summer or fall 2022. It would nearly double the size of the existing building, which was constructed in 1991. Business First has additional renderings of the new Gahanna branch library design at the link below: https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2021/01/15/new-gahanna-library-branch.html
June 12, 20214 yr Cross-posted from the Gahanna thread: 3 hours ago, Columbo said: Gahanna library to close for construction of new branch; temporary site is Hunter's Ridge In preparation for construction of Columbus Metropolitan Library’s new $20.5 million Gahanna branch, the current location at 310 Granville Street will close to the public at 6 p.m. June 19. The new two-level Gahanna branch, to be built on the same site, will be larger than the current branch – increasing from 21,400 square feet to 37,500 square feet – and is expected to open in the third or fourth quarter of 2022. Construction of the new branch will begin with a groundbreaking ceremony at 10:30 a.m. July 14 that will include library leaders and city and community officials. ... A temporary Gahanna branch is scheduled to open June 28 at 310 Hamilton Road in the Hunter’s Ridge Shopping Center. MORE: https://www.thisweeknews.com/story/news/local/gahanna-news/2021/06/02/gahanna-library-close-construction-new-branch-temporary-site-hunters-ridge/7509475002/
June 12, 20214 yr https://www.columbuslibrary.org/new-buildings-phase-two/ Of the four library branches in CML's Phase Two construction status: -- Karl Road and Hilltop branches are continuing construction with completion dates later in 2021. -- Gahanna branch has unpaused and will close down its existing branch June 19, open a temporary branch on June 28, and begin groundbreaking for the new library building on July 14. The new Gahanna library is expected to open in the third or fourth quarter of 2022 (see previous post). -- A virtual community meeting about the new Reynoldsburg Branch was held on April 28 in preparation for the unpausing of its construction status.
June 13, 20213 yr The CML Phase Two building page also had these visual updates on the construction of the Karl Road and Hilltop branches: Larger versions of the Hilltop branch construction were posted in the Hilltop developments thread at: https://forum.urbanohio.com/topic/4589-columbus-hilltop-developments-and-news/page/3/?tab=comments#comment-1019433 Below are larger versions of some of the Karl Road branch construction photos from: https://www.columbuslibrary.org/new-buildings-phase-two/. RENDERING OF THE NEW KARL ROAD LIBRARY: CONSTRUCTION UPDATE OF NEW KARL ROAD LIBRARY: INTERIOR CONSTRUCTION UPDATE OF NEW KARL ROAD LIBRARY: INTERIOR CONSTRUCTION UPDATE OF NEW KARL ROAD LIBRARY: Additional interior photos available at https://www.columbuslibrary.org/new-buildings-phase-two/
July 17, 20213 yr Cross-posted from the Gahanna developments thread: Just now, Columbo said: https://www.columbusnavigator.com/columbus-metropolitan-library-gahanna-branch/ The Columbus Metropolitan Library system broke ground on its new Gahanna Branch this week. Since the project involves the demolition of the existing library and building a bigger one at the same site, they brought in some dirt for the ceremonial groundbreaking. Choosing that over letting the assembled dignitaries and/or small children operate the backhoe in the background seems like a wise decision:
September 11, 20213 yr On 2/18/2020 at 12:40 PM, Columbo said: The first of four projects in CML's Phase II building improvement list will begin in March. The Columbus Metropolitan Library system will break ground on a new Karl Road branch on March 25. The new library will be built in front of the current one at 5590 Karl Road. The goal is to keep the current branch open during construction of the new building, which is expected to be completed by Summer 2021. More about it at https://www.thisweeknews.com/news/20200217/construction-on-columbus-library-systems-new-karl-road-branch-to-begin-in-march The Karl Road Library opened this week: https://www.columbuslibrary.org/press-releases/library-opens-new-karl-road-branch/ https://www.nbc4i.com/news/local-news/columbus/new-karl-road-library-offers-computers-study-rooms-and-a-fish-tank And some photos from the architect at https://www.facebook.com/MNarchitects/posts/10160171273319363
September 22, 20213 yr CU article about the new Karl Road Library opening, with more photos of the exterior: https://www.columbusunderground.com/new-karl-road-library-opens-hilltop-branch-to-be-next-bw1/
October 2, 20213 yr The renovated Hilltop library branch located at 511 S. Hague Ave., (corner of Hague and Sullivant avenues) is now open: https://www.columbuslibrary.org/new-buildings/library-opens-new-hilltop-branch/ https://news.wosu.org/news/2021-09-30/columbus-metropolitan-library-celebrates-opening-of-new-hilltop-branch
October 4, 20213 yr On 10/2/2021 at 10:48 AM, Columbo said: That is one hideous building. Some of the new branches aren't too bad, but this one is horrible.
October 4, 20213 yr 20 minutes ago, cbussoccer said: That is one hideous building. Some of the new branches aren't too bad, but this one is horrible. Frank Lloyd Wright — "A doctor can bury his mistakes, but an architect can only advise his clients to plant vines."
October 4, 20213 yr 8 hours ago, cbussoccer said: That is one hideous building. Some of the new branches aren't too bad, but this one is horrible. I’d have to see it in person to be certain, but so far, I like it.
November 3, 20213 yr (Cross-posted in the Reynoldsburg thread) Architects unveiled design plans for a $21 million, 37,500-square-foot Columbus Metropolitan Library branch in Reynoldsburg. Construction is scheduled to begin next year and be completed in 2023: https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/local/communities/reynoldsburg/2021/10/28/plans-unveiled-new-reynoldsburg-branch-columbus-metropolitan-library/8580456002/
March 18, 20223 yr Downtown library starts $1.9M renovation of outdoor plaza near Topiary Park “The downtown Columbus Metropolitan Library’s outdoor space is getting a major upgrade. CML this week started a renovation of the library's east plaza that will create a more open, inviting community space and better connection to nearby Topiary Park. The cost of the project is estimated to be $1.9 million. Donations will cover $500,000, led by a $250,000 gift from Encova Insurance. The renovation is slated to be complete by mid-July. Led by landscape architect MKSK, the new design will offer flexible space for library programs and community events, improved safety and sight lines, and shaded seating.” https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2022/03/18/columbus-main-library-plaza-renovation.html
May 4, 20223 yr A couple renos and a couple new branches planned: Columbus Metropolitan Library names next branches slated for renovations “The library board last week signed off on architects for the following projects: -Barnett branch renovation and expansion, to be designed by Schooley Caldwell and Evoke Studio. -Linden branch renovation and expansion, to be designed by Moody Nolan. -New Canal Winchester branch at a new site, to be designed by Bostwick Partnership. -New Marion-Franklin Branch at a new site, to be designed by Schooley Caldwell and Evoke Studio The four branches were identified due to the age of the existing buildings or the growing needs of the communities they serve, according to a release. Site selection is still in progress for the Canal Winchester branch. A parcel of land at the corner of Lockbourne and Evergreen roads has been donated to the library for the new Marion-Franklin branch.” https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2022/05/04/columbus-metropolitan-library-branches-upgrades.html
May 5, 20223 yr On 10/2/2021 at 10:48 AM, Columbo said: The renovated Hilltop library branch located at 511 S. Hague Ave., (corner of Hague and Sullivant avenues) is now open: https://www.columbuslibrary.org/new-buildings/library-opens-new-hilltop-branch/ https://news.wosu.org/news/2021-09-30/columbus-metropolitan-library-celebrates-opening-of-new-hilltop-branch How did I miss this? Gawd this is awful! Looks like it belongs in the the Balkans in the 70's or something. LOL
September 12, 20222 yr More libraries are a good thing 👍🏼 Columbus Metropolitan Library to update facilities plan in light of Intel, population growth expectations “CEO Patrick Losinski said the organization will spend the next several months working on an updated long-range plan that will take the institution through 2040 and identify both new buildings and renovation projects across the system. The library system also plans to eventually ask Franklin County voters again for a tax levy increase in order to help fund its growth. In 2019, the library finished phase one of its aggressive building plan, spending $137 million to renovate or build new branches in 10 communities, from Driving Park to Dublin, representing slightly less than half of its 23 locations. Meanwhile, the library continues phase two of its transformational building program, which will result in nearly $80 million in additional investments. It recently had a wall-breaking ceremony for its new Reynoldsburg branch. The Gahanna branch is expected to open in 2023. A branch in the Hilltop neighborhood opened last fall. And other projects, including upgraded branches in Linden, Marion-Franklin, Canal Winchester, and on the city's east side at the Barnett branch, are being planned.” https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2022/09/12/library-facilities-plan-2022.html
September 12, 20222 yr 6 minutes ago, amped91 said: More libraries are a good thing 👍🏼 Columbus Metropolitan Library to update facilities plan in light of Intel, population growth expectations “CEO Patrick Losinski said the organization will spend the next several months working on an updated long-range plan that will take the institution through 2040 and identify both new buildings and renovation projects across the system. The library system also plans to eventually ask Franklin County voters again for a tax levy increase in order to help fund its growth. In 2019, the library finished phase one of its aggressive building plan, spending $137 million to renovate or build new branches in 10 communities, from Driving Park to Dublin, representing slightly less than half of its 23 locations. Meanwhile, the library continues phase two of its transformational building program, which will result in nearly $80 million in additional investments. It recently had a wall-breaking ceremony for its new Reynoldsburg branch. The Gahanna branch is expected to open in 2023. A branch in the Hilltop neighborhood opened last fall. And other projects, including upgraded branches in Linden, Marion-Franklin, Canal Winchester, and on the city's east side at the Barnett branch, are being planned.” https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2022/09/12/library-facilities-plan-2022.html Yep, I’m fine with my tax money going to metro parks and more libraries. Would love to see more of it go into affordable housing also.
September 12, 20222 yr Wonder when they'll get around to rebuilding one of the most visited branch in the system - Whetstone.
January 24, 20232 yr Here’s a look at Columbus Metropolitan Library’s new Gahanna Branch “The Columbus Metropolitan Library is nearly set to open its new 37,000-square-foot Gahanna Branch. The March 4 opening will showcase the system's 14th library, originally constructed in 1991 and renovated in 1998. The latest construction, which started in July 2021, cost $21 million. Columbus Metropolitan Library CEO Patrick Losinski said this new space includes areas for children, teens, adults, new materials, quiet reading rooms, a media center, multiple meeting rooms, individual study rooms and a drive-up window.“ https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2023/01/24/columbus-metropolitan-library-new-gahanna-branch.html
January 24, 20232 yr On 9/12/2022 at 2:44 PM, Pablo said: Wonder when they'll get around to rebuilding one of the most visited branch in the system - Whetstone. Bump
January 24, 20232 yr 43 minutes ago, Pablo said: Bump Was just talking to my wife about this. That library is old and isn’t a great experience currently. Hopefully that’s coming up on the list. Maybe clintonville won’t let them change it.
March 3, 20232 yr Libraries to open in Gahanna, Powell as Columbus celebrates sesquicentennial “Fans of public libraries will have plenty to celebrate in March, and it all begins this weekend with the 150th birthday of Columbus Metropolitan Library. Today's system of 23 locations — many with gleaming, glass-encased entrances — dates to the late 1800s reading room in Columbus' first City Hall, now the Ohio Theatre. On Saturday morning, the library system will open its new Gahanna Branch with a brief dedication ceremony at 9 a.m. Architects NBBJ created three structures joining as one "that represent the three creeks of Gahanna," Zenitsky said.“ https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/local/2023/03/03/columbus-metropolitan-library-celebrates-150-years-with-gahanna-branch/69948245007/
November 17, 20231 yr https://columbusunderground.com/development-roundup-november-2023-edition-bw1/ Another branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library will be getting the renovation-and-expansion treatment. Plans call for the 12,700-square-foot Linden branch to be more than doubled in size – a new addition will extend the building to the south, into what is now a parking lot at the corner of Cleveland Avenue and Kenmore Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2024, at which time the branch will reopen in a temporary location at 1990 Jefferson Ave.
March 9, 20241 yr Just a reminder... Columbus Metropolitan Library will offer free solar eclipse glasses beginning March 18 *Available at all 23 CML locations. *Limit four per person. https://www.columbuslibrary.org/press-releases/library-to-offer-free-eclipse-glasses-beginning-march-18/
April 25, 20241 yr So, it was mentioned earlier briefly that a new library branch in Canal Winchester was being proposed, and I don't think anyone's posted about it yet. So, I found more definitive data on it. "Columbus Metropolitan Library will be opening a new branch at 123 Groveport Road, across from the Canal Winchester pool. The branch will be 30,000 square feet. They intend to start construction in the summer of 2024 and complete the project in the summer of 2025." Canal Winchester Development Projects Viewer: https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1HzEArhLX37GzOsT7F-QgMYl5fi6mWdfN&femb=1&ll=39.840401700586426%2C-82.8114744875456&z=15 And some more info is also on our Library site: https://www.columbuslibrary.org/new-buildings/ EDIT: Yay! I'm no longer a Dirt Lot 😀 Edited April 25, 20241 yr by PrestoKinetic
April 25, 20241 yr The current Canal branch is pretty small to say the least. It's in the old high school. Which doesn't sound that bad until you realize the only space it uses is the old school library.
April 26, 20241 yr Clintonville is not needing in many departments, but a new library / rec center would be welcomed and very well utilized.
April 26, 20241 yr 2 hours ago, Whopper Jr said: Clintonville is not needing in many departments, but a new library / rec center would be welcomed and very well utilized. This 100%, that library needs some major updating.
April 26, 20241 yr 9 hours ago, Whopper Jr said: Clintonville is not needing in many departments, but a new library / rec center would be welcomed and very well utilized. I agree with that! The Clintonville Area Commission called for a new rec center and library through a couple of resolutions last year. I don't know how much weight that holds. The problem with the Whetstone library is that the library doesn't own the land - it leases it from the city. That creates complications as far as rebuilding on City property. It seems the two entities should be able to work together to come up with a solution. Even though the Whetstone Rec Center had an addition built in the early 2000s (I think) it is still the oldest rec center in the city.
December 31, 2024Dec 31 EYE ON LIBRARY'S FUTURE 2 new buildings, 2 renovations to be completed in 2025 "The Columbus Metropolitan Library system will be completing renovations and construction at four library branches in 2025. Ben Zenitsky, spokesperson for the Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML), said two of those branches — the Barnett and Linden branches — involve additions and renovations of old buildings. The other two branches, Canal Winchester and Marion-Franklin, will be new buildings that will be placed not far from the original branches. Construction crews will be affixing the final steel beam on Jan. 9 at the new Marion-Franklin Branch, which will be located at 2800 Lockbourne Road, just a few blocks from the original location at 2740 Lockbourne Road. The new branch will be more than double the square footage of the original — expanding from 4,000 square feet to nearly 10,000 square feet. And, on Jan. 14, crews will be placing the final steel beam on CML’s Canal Winchester location. The new building will be 30,000 square feet, nearly six times the size of the original building, which is 5,400 square feet. The CML system has a total of 23 libraries in Franklin County, and the four new buildings are the second of the library system’s aspirational building program." Canal Winchester Branch: Marion-Franklin Branch: Linden Branch: Barnett Branch: https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/local/2024/12/31/2-new-2-expanded-columbus-metro-library-branches-opening-in-2025/77070137007/ Edited December 31, 2024Dec 31 by Luvcbus
January 24Jan 24 Columbus library moves forward with plans for Case Road branch on former OSU 'sheep farm' https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2025/01/24/case-road-library-branch.html?cx_testId=40&cx_testVariant=cx_10&cx_artPos=3#cxrecs_s Quote Columbus Metropolitan Library will move forward with its new branch on the site of the former Ohio State "sheep farm." The library's board of trustees Thursday selected MSR Design as the architect for the new Case Road Branch that will be built on the city's northwest side. When completed, the new branch will become the library’s 24th location serving Franklin County. “We know that northwest residents have been eager for a community library and we’re delighted by the opportunity to fulfill that desire in an area that has not previously had close access," the library's CEO Lauren Hagan said in a press release. It will be built within a planned city of Columbus park located across from Ohio State University’s airport at 2400 W. Case Road. Also here: https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/local/2025/01/24/columbus-metro-library-hires-msr-design-as-architect-to-design-new-case-road-library-branch/77911712007/?tbref=hp
March 25Mar 25 Columbus Metropolitan Library seeking community input for design of new West Case Branch "The Columbus Metropolitan Library is seeking community input for the design of its newest library branch. CML will be hosting a meeting on the design of the West Case Branch, which will be built across West Case Road across from the Ohio State University and is slated to open in 2027. Attendees will have the opportunity to exchange design ideas with CML leadership and with MSR Design, the Minneapolis-based architecture firm hired to design the branch. The meeting will be held on April 3 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Carriage Place Community Center, located at 4900 Sawmill Road. Construction of the new branch is expected to begin in 2026 within a new Columbus park being established on land purchased by the city from Ohio State formerly known as the "sheep farm". CML hopes to open the new branch, its 24th serving Franklin County, in 2027." https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/local/2025/03/24/columbus-metropolitan-library-public-input-design-new-west-case-branch/82644023007/
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