COLUMBUS, Ohio --Officials with the Columbus Metropolitan Library say the new 41-thousand square foot world-class library in Dublin will continue to serve the needs of the community as well as the city's constant population boom.
'The last time we opened a Dublin branch, on this site in fact, was in 1980. And in 1980, Dublin had fewer than 4,000, now 40 years later it has around 50,000 residents. This new library is really a reflection of that growth," says CML Communications Director, Ben Zenitsky.
The new library is located in Dublin's historic district.
- The Columbus Metro Library opens its new state of the art facility in Dublin on June 6th.
- The $21-million dollar project was made possible by public and private funds.
- The 41,000 square foot facility has double the space as the previous location.
Inside the three-story building is a homework help center, a gathering space, a café and a kindergarten readiness room, complete with technology they’ll see in school.
“That ready for kindergarten area is specifically designed for parents and caregivers and their little ones to work on a smart board, which children do in kindergarten classrooms, early literacy tablets, which again, children are experiencing at school,” says CML Public Services Director Kathy Shahbodaghi. “So much of what we're seeing today is a technology divide, where in order to be successful you really need to have access to technology, the internet, in books and tablets and e-readers and smart phones. So to ensure we have equal access to all, libraries are more relevant than ever,” says Zenitsky.
The Columbus Metro Library system has served Franklin County for nearly 150 years. There’s 23 branches around Central Ohio…10 of which were either replaced or renovated over the last five years to meet the demands of a growing 21st century community.
“Libraries of the olden days were really built to house and protect books. And now libraries are really built to accommodate people. So you're going to see a lot more natural sunlight. It's really, how can we incorporate books into a place where people would want come and spend some time,” says Zenitsky.
A ribbon cutting ceremony will take place Thursday at 3:30 pm, followed by an open house celebration from 4pm to 6pm.
For more information click here: https://www.columbuslibrary.org