Ballot Item Gives Columbus Residents A Transformative Downtown Opportunity

The plan is to bring the city's signature infrastructure under a single, convenient roof. 

The Columbus Community Connection brings together the library, the art gallery, a children’s museum, City hall, and more.

And surprisingly, the consolidation will afford even more space than they’ve had before.

"I have kids, I bring my kids to the library now, and a lot of the events I bring them to are just packed," Vasicek said."

Columbus Library staff say that the need for more space is essential for keeping up with the evolving role of libraries as a gathering place for the community-

"I think this is much needed in Colombus," said Library Director Karen Connell, "we're able to provide good-quality library service now in the facility that we have, but we're really limited."

With additional room, the library will be able to host bigger events more comfortably, as well as expand its programs into specialized learning activities.

"Virtual reality. You get to interact with someone live far away. We've talked about the San Diego zoo or an African safari, and people of all ages can take part in those field trips," Connell said.

The library’s current building has been in use since 1942. If the ballot initiative gets passed, next year will mark the end of its career.

When asked if she would miss the old building, the answer was pretty conclusive:

"No." Connell said.

"I'll have good memories, it has served us well, and it has its fun quirks and interesting things in there, but I won't miss it. We will be able to do so much more in the new building."

-

More information on the ballot item can be found here: https://buildingtogethercolumbus.org/