![]() ![]() ![]() The conference center has its own dedicated entry, so that it can be used even when the library is closed. The conference center has state-of-the-art technology including teleconferencing capabilities that allow for hook-ups to Muscogee County schools, Columbus State University, and other, more remote locations. On the east side of the first floor, the conference center includes a 124-seat auditorium, a 2,700-square-foot multipurpose meeting room, and small conference and training rooms. Many libraries now provide full conference facilities, and the new Columbus Library is no exception. In good weather the children are able to enjoy a secure and supervised outdoor garden for casual reading and storytelling hours. A separate dedicated room is provided for children’s story hour and arts and crafts activities. Also on the first floor is a section devoted to teen readers and the children’s library, arranged in distinct sections for children of different ages, from picture book collections for preschoolers to homework areas for older children. Just inside the entrance, readers have access to the popular materials section, an informal browsing area modeled on successful large bookstores and featuring best-sellers, books-on-tape, CD and video rentals, as well as a coffee shop serving light refreshments. Inside the main entry there is an active lobby space with direct access to the popular materials section, the children’s library, and the conference center and, overhead, an oculus to the rotunda space beneath the sixty-foot-diameter lantern above. Ample parking for 339 cars is provided in front of the library building, with a convenient drop-off area and book drop. The brick and limestone front facade of the building faces north towards Macon Road with a two-story-high covered porch at the main entry. High-quality materials are used both inside and out to create a lasting and appropriate new civic building for Columbus. Sloping roofs give it a welcoming appearance, and a large gentle curve on the southwest of the otherwise rectilinear building captures panoramic views while echoing the circular lantern above. The library’s dignified architectural character respects the red-brick Classicism of Georgia in a contemporary way. The three-story library rises to a lantern that has become a beacon for Columbus, visible from I-185 and from surrounding neighborhoods. ![]() Located on a central 42-acre site formerly occupied by the abandoned Columbus Square Mall, the library and the park surrounding it provides the community with an important cultural amenity in a landscaped setting. “Believe it or not, this branch is nearing 20 years old,” he said.The new Main Library in Columbus, Georgia, merges 21st-century library technology with traditional library services to create an institution that will serve the needs of the Columbus community for many years to come. The New Albany branch opened in 2003, Zenitsky said. “Once this renovation is finished, the New Albany branch will return to the same level of services offered at our other locations, although what that will be remains to be seen.” “In the meantime, our staff are working to provide curbside pick-up and walk-up services (at New Albany),” he said. “With the current stay-at-home advisory still in effect here in central Ohio, we’ve restricted in-building services at our libraries until it’s deemed safe to welcome customers back inside. “We’re keeping a close eye on public-health advisories and news out of the governor’s office,” Zenitsky said. In August, the library system opened most of its branches for limited services, only to close again, with the exception walk-up and pick-up services, Nov. Physical entry into any of the 23 locations is restricted because of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, Zenitsky said.Īs with most institutions across the state, Columbus Metropolitan Library branches shut their doors last March as the pandemic spread rapidly. Sundays, and walk-up services will be unavailable, except at other branches, said Ben Zenitsky, a spokesman for the library system. Mondays through Saturdays and 1 to 5 p.m. The branch’s drive-up and pick-up services will be available from 11 a.m. “These upgrades to our branch will ensure that we can continue to meet the changing needs of New Albany customers of all ages.” “On behalf of our staff, we are so excited about this reinvestment in our community,” branch manager Benjamin Reid said. The renovation is expected to finished in March. 18, will include ceilings, lighting, flooring, windows, HVAC and furniture, as well as a new customer-service desk, a larger teen area and a larger Homework Help Center. The $1.9 million renovation, which started Jan. The New Albany branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library is getting a makeover. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |