The Main Library Renovations Will Make You Beyond Happy

I am a huge fan of great architecture, marble anything, and grand staircases so I have always been a fan of the Main Library, I actually really wanted to get married there (any Carrie Bradshaw fans out there??) but they were closed for renovations. I was, like many of you, sad to see it close but I promise you it is going to be worth every single minute of renovations because the changes are incredible.  I had the privilege of taking a hard hat tour a few weeks ago and talking with Julie, an amazing woman who works for the library and has such passion for her job.  It was so great to see the changes but also to hear WHY they were making them.  Why is it more open?  How can I easily access the park that is so close? Why is there a spot specifically for kids getting ready to go into Kindergarten? She answered all of those questions for me and now I will answer them all for you.  Enjoy our pictures!! I can't wait to share more with you the week before the Grand Opening. 

I was so happy when I talked to Lindsey about the tour and she cleared her schedule to be able to go with me. I love the BASIC Columbus girls!!  We missed you Amber.  

The mural along the staircase is coming back (yay!!!) but the staircase is moved to make the space more inviting and open.

Why is it important for the library to be open and welcoming?  It used to be said that libraries should be made of brick so the sun wouldn't damage the books but it seemed to scare people off.  The library became an intimidating place and by adding more natural light and an open floor plan the Columbus Library is making great strides in making sure everyone feels welcome. 

Check out the view from one of the many meeting rooms!! Hello Beautiful!! Can I please have a reason to schedule this room?  (Okay I do and I'm really excited to share it in a few months) 

This bus is going to be such a key piece in the new kids area.  It's going to create the divide between the kids story time area, bookshelves, and more to allow those going into Kindergarten a place to learn and play so that they go into the school year feeling ready and confident.  The library is focusing on this because not all kids in Central Ohio attend preschool and it is so important that children and families have the resources out there to prepare their children for that first year of school. 

This is when my heart started beating really fast! So beautiful!! 

This will be the new outside area fully equipped with WiFi and a walking path to Topiary Park.  What a perfect day, a morning spent at the library followed by a picnic and exploring at the beautiful park. 

The day we had our tour they had just started putting books back on the shelves...it was a momentous occasion. 

I didn't get a good shot of the outside because they were still working on it and it was off limits but Lindsey captured this shot of Julie and I discussing the changes in the front that will make the library really feel as grand as it is. It used to be all one level outside, and now they've raised it up and added a staircase to really add to the look and feel upon entering.