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columbus metropolitan librbary
[urban stacks]
From a small reading room to one of the top
facilities in the nation, the Columbus Metropolitan Library
educates Central Ohio and beyond.
Dating back to the 3rd century BC and the founding of
the Royal Library of Alexandria-the later destruction of which
would prove to be a huge loss to humanity-libraries have been synoymous with community.While few libraries have surpassed the Royal Library of
Alexandria with its more than 500,000 volumes of history on
hand-written papyrus scrolls, the
Columbus
Metropolitan Library has made quite a name for itself, not
only locally, but nationally with a collection that has grown to
include 3 million items.
Rated the #1 library in the country for 2005 by
Hennen's American Public Library Rating Index (HAPLRI), the
Columbus Metropolitan Library has enjoyed a more than 125 year
history as a staple in downtown Columbus. 2005 wasn’t the first
time the library reached the #1 spot. In 1999, Columbus
Metropolitan Library was rated first in the nation by HAPLRI.
The HAPLRI findings are published in the October 2005 edition
of American
Libraries, the official magazine of the American
Library Association.
[in the beginning]
In 1873, a public library and reading room were opened in the
southeast corner of the City Hall building. This small library would grow to
become one of the most-used library systems in the country.
[advances in technology]
Always staying a step ahead of the
times, the library made efforts early on to provide the latest
technology to its visitors. In 1888, the Library Board
contracted the Central Union Telephone Company to install the
first telephone. In 1892, the library purchased its first
typewriter on an installment plan.
[expansion] As the 20th century
approached, the library grew by leaps and bounds. By 1895, the
Columbus City Council approved a library addition to City Hall.
A year later, funds were appropriated for a one-story extension
of the library on a vacant lot to the east of City Hall. The
extension office housed the stack room, reading room, reference
room and librarian’s office.
At the turn of the century, big
changes started taking place. The library was officially named
the Columbus Public Library, a mansion at 96 S. Grant Ave. was
demolished to make way for a main branch to be constructed and,
by the end of the year, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for
the new building made possible by a monetary gift from Andrew
Carnegie.
[branching out] By 1907, an early form of library branches started springing up in
the form of deposit collections strategically placed in fire houses, settlement
houses and schools. Also that year, the new main library was completed and
opened to the public. It wasn’t until 1928 that official branches were dedicated
in Clintonville, Hilltop, Linden and Parsons Avenue. Two years later a fifth
branch opened on Leona Avenue. Subsequent branches would continue to open,
growing to the 22 branches that exist today.
[what’s new] Housed in a beautiful, historic building, the
Columbus Metropolitan Library has an open, airy, inviting
interior and many programs that draw visitors from all over
representing all age groups.
Most recently, the library has teamed up with
The Ohio Arts Council to host their first annual juried art show
at the main branch. The show runs from August to November and
offers cash awards to talented Ohio artists. All entrants must be registered in the
Ohio
Online Visual Artist Registry. This is a database of more
than 700 artists nationwide created by the Ohio Arts Council and
Columbus Metropolitan Library in 1998.
To become a friend of the library, learn about the multitude of library services
or to just get recommendations for a good summer read, visit the
Columbus Metropolitan Library, either online, or head downtown and get lost in the stacks.
[interesting facts from 2005]
- Customers borrowed more than 16 million items
- There were 8.2 million visits to the library
- 1.2 million reference questions were asked.
[departments and donations…important dates in
the libraries history] From devastating fires to important
donations and new programs, the Columbus Metropolitan Library
has earned its place in Columbus’ history.
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1928: |
The fountain and statue of Peter Pan is donated by Charles
E. Munson in memory of his son. It is dedicated to the
children of Columbus. |
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1948: |
Microfilm collection is started. |
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1949: |
Hospital and Homebound services begin. |
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1950: |
Vinyl
LP record collection begins. |
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1951: |
The Audio-Visual Division opens. |
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1951: |
The
Library's first bookmobile begins operation. The
bookmobile has a collection of about 2,000 items and
circulates 75,261 items. |
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1955: |
Library circulation passes the million mark. |
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1961: |
The new
Humanities and Biography, History, and Travel Divisions
open at the Main Library. |
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1963: |
The paperback collection begins. |
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1966: |
The
Library purchased its first Xerox 914 photocopier. |
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1970: |
Circulation of 8mm films begins. |
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1970: |
"Billy
Bookworm," a puppet designed by library staff to teach
children how to use the library, debuts on Lucy's Toyshop
a local children's TV program. |
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1975: |
Books by Mail Service begins. |
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1975: |
The
Library system's name changes from Columbus Public Library
to Public Library of Columbus and Franklin County (PLCFC). |
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1977: |
The first personal computers provided for the public
become available. |
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1978: |
The
largest toy lending library in Ohio is established at the
Main Library. |
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1978: |
The library system's first videos are added to the
collection. |
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1978: |
Renovation of the Main Library begins, eventually adding
18,000 square feet of public service space. |
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1978: |
The Library wins the John Cotton Dana Library Public
Relations Award. |
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1978: |
The
Magazines and Newspapers Division (M&N) is opened at Main
Library. |
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1985: |
Columbus Metropolitan Library's first Media Center opens
at Main Library. |
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1991: |
Main
Library reaches the one million visitors mark. |
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2004: |
Science, Business and News division is formally named. |
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2004: |
Know-it-Now, a 24/7 virtual reference service, began. |
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2005: |
Rated the #1 library in the country by Hennen's American
Public Library Rating Index. |
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