About Us

Columbus Public Library is an innovative organization that strives to provide equal access to materials, reference services, and programming for patrons of all ages. We respond to our changing community by integrating our traditional services with the changing needs and wants of our patrons. The Columbus Public Library strives to be the hub for knowledge, resources and entertainment in our community.

History

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The Columbus Public Library was built in 1913 with funds provided by Andrew Carnegie. The building is listed on both the state and national historic register.

An addition, built by Crossland Construction Company, was added in 1979 and housed the genealogical collection. The genealogical collection is no longer kept at the library, but the area is used to house both the mystery and western collections.

Our most recent addition to the library was completed in April of 2005. Included in the project were a ground level entry, an elevator, and an accessible restroom. This addition makes the historic Carnegie building ADA compliant and accessible to everyone.

More than just a home for a collection of over 15,000 titles, the library is a community resource offering workshops and programs for both adults and children. The library offers a monthly book discussion group and supports local school and after school programs. A summer reading program is held annually and serves over 350 area children. The library boasts high speed internet connections and four public access computers along with a wireless connection for laptop users.

To date, the library has remodeled the meeting room, downstairs landing and original restroom. The centerpiece of the project is being provided by the family of Elaine Herron. With memorial contributions, the Herron’s are partnering with the library to provide an updated reading center for youth. Included in this portion of the project are stages for children’s performances and a portable computer lab for student and patron use.

The library’s exterior has also undergone changes. Memorial contributions made by the Mae Sherwood estate and others have provided funds to plant trees and shrubs, lay a brick sidewalk and place park benches. A water feature is the centerpiece of the memorial park.

In the Spring of 2015 the library underwent a paint job in the interior of the building to liven up the old space. The following Spring the library also received new carpeting as well as a beautiful and spacious circulation desk.

Board of Directors

The Columbus Public Library Board of Trustees meets on the second Monday of each month at 6:00pm.

Staff