COLUMBUS—Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML) has cut the ribbon on its new Marion-Franklin Branch at 2800 Lockbourne Rd.
The new Marion-Franklin Branch has:
- 10,000 square feet of space (increased from 4,000 square feet)
- Two meeting rooms, a conference room, and three study rooms for community use
- A larger Children’s area with more space for programs and areas for children to read, play, and use computers
- Dedicated space for teens with books, computers, and study spaces
- A Learning Center where students can get free after-school help
- Public computers and a business center for community use
- Commissioned works of public art
- Seating areas to read and relax
- A collection of library materials to meet the community’s needs
The previous Marion-Franklin Branch, located within the former Beery Middle School at 2740 Lockbourne Rd., opened in 2014 as an “express branch” to serve a community that did not previously have close access to library services. It closed to the public on Oct. 3. The new, standalone Marion-Franklin Branch more than doubles the size of the previous branch from 4,000 square feet to 10,000 square feet. Turner Construction is the construction manager at risk and Schooley Caldwell and EVOKE Studio are the architects. CML broke ground on the new branch on July 29, 2024.
Its hours of operation are:
Monday-Thursday: 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
Friday-Saturday: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sunday: 1-5 p.m.
Ribbon cutters participating in today’s dedication include:
Billy Askey – Principal, EVOKE Studio
Daymond Ayers – Freshman student, Central State University
Tara Battiato – Executive Director, Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation
Sarah Milks Bethel+ – Chief Operating Officer, Patrick Ta Beauty
Dave Brown – Project Executive, Turner Construction
Matt Brown – Manager, Capital Planning & Construction, Columbus Metropolitan Library
Justin Bumbico – Information Technology Officer, Columbus Metropolitan Library
Bishop Dane Clark – Bethel Temple Ministries
Senator Hearcel Craig – Ohio Senate
Rebecca Deeds – Neighborhood Program Coordinator, City of Columbus Department of Neighborhoods
Darren Demaree – Marion-Franklin Branch Manager, Columbus Metropolitan Library
Sheila Eubanks – Vice Chair, Far South Area Commission
Lori Fisher – Marion-Franklin Civic Association
Tanita Fleming – Principal, Marion-Franklin High School
Steven Haardt – Associate Principal, EVOKE Studio
Lauren Hagan – Chief Executive Officer, Columbus Metropolitan Library
Councilmember Shannon Hardin – President, Columbus City Council
Edwin Harris – Principal, EVOKE Studio
Hunter Horton – Interior Designer, Schooley Caldwell
Representative Latyna Humphrey – Ohio House of Representatives
Representative Meredith Lawson-Rowe – Ohio House of Representatives
Mary Leiby – Foundation Program & Operations Specialist, Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation
Steve Magee – Senior Project Manager, Columbus Metropolitan Library
Kye Mosley – Director, Starting Point Learning Center
Robert Patterson – Commissioner, Far South Area Commission
Lexie Perrine – Project Superintendent, Turner Construction
Bernita Reese – Director, Columbus Recreation and Parks
Kayah Skyers – 2nd grade student, South Columbus Preparatory Academy
Kaypril Skyers – 5th grade student, South Columbus Preparatory Academy
Deborah Smith – Commissioner, Far South Area Commission
Kelly Stevelt – Community Engagement Senior Manager, AEP
Evalyn Taylor – 6th grade student, Buckeye Middle School
Wendy Tressler – Planning and Strategy Officer, Columbus Metropolitan Library
Becky Walcott – Chair, Far South Area Commission
Carla Williams-Scott* – Senior Manager, Community Outreach & Strategic Partnerships, The Ohio State University’s Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity
Dr. Anthony Wilson – Chief Operating Officer, Columbus Metropolitan Library
Tyler Young – Project Architect, Schooley Caldwell
Donna Zuiderweg – Chief of Service Design and Engagement, Columbus Metropolitan Library
*Columbus Metropolitan Library Board of Trustees Member
**Columbus Metropolitan Library Foundation Board Member
+Friends of the Library Board Member
Click here to learn more about CML’s Aspirational Building Program.
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