COLUMBUS—Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML) has cut the ribbon on its new Gahanna Branch.
The new Gahanna Branch has:
- 36,400 square feet of space (up from 21,400)
- A robust collection to meet the community’s needs
- Interactive Children’s area with more space for programs and areas for children to read, study and use computers
- Ready for Kindergarten area to help preschoolers be prepared for school
- Tween and Teen areas with computers, study space and comfortable seating
- School Help Center where students can get free after-school help
- Three meeting rooms and nine study rooms
- Spacious Quiet Room
- Public computers for customers to reserve
- Commissioned works of public art
Ribbon cutters participating in today’s dedication include:
Karen Angelou – Councilmember, Gahanna City Council
Richard Angelou – Trustee, Mifflin Township
Merisa Bowers – Councilmember, Gahanna City Council
Dave Brown – Project Manager, Turner Construction
Kevin Cavener – Trustee, Mifflin Township
Janelle Coleman – President, AEP Foundation & VP, Corporate Philanthropy and Community Engagement, AEP
Erica Crawley – Commissioner, Franklin County Board of Commissioners
Dr. Tracey Deagle – Superintendent, Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools
Sandy Doyle-Ahern* – President, EMH&T, Inc.
Charlie Fraas**
Timothy Frommeyer* – SVP & CFO, Insurance & Financial Services, Nationwide
Zac Guthrie – Parks & Facilities Superintendent, City of Gahanna Parks & Recreation
Lauren Hagan – Chief Financial Officer, Columbus Metropolitan Library
Wes Hall – Vice President, Philanthropy & Education, Battelle
Charlie Hansen – Chief Customer Experience Officer, Columbus Metropolitan Library
Lori Kappes – Executive Director, Visit Gahanna
Tom Katzenmeyer* – President & CEO, Greater Columbus Arts Council
Andrea Lewis – Senior Consultant, Nationwide Foundation
Nancy McGregor – Councilmember, Gahanna City Council
Kaylee Padova – Councilmember, Gahanna City Council
Christian Peck – President, The Gahanna Area Arts Council
Beryl Piccolantonio – Board President, Gahanna-Jefferson Board of Education
Stephen Renner – President, Gahanna City Council
Kristen Rost – Vice President, Nationwide Foundation
Paul Smith – Community Volunteer
Jeff Spence – Chief of Police, City of Gahanna
Lynn Stewart – Trustee, Mifflin Township
Michael Stinziano – Franklin County Auditor
Michael Suriano – Architect, NBBJ
Andrea Thomas+ – Vice President, Leadership and Development, Crane Group Company
Wendy Tressler – Director of Capital Planning and Project Management, Columbus Metropolitan Library
Leslie Vesha – Manager of Philanthropy, Battelle
Andrea Villanueva – Public Services Director, Columbus Metropolitan Library
Trenton Weaver – Vice President, Gahanna City Council
David White* – Senior Vice President of Technology, RTI International
Nancy White – Fiscal Officer, Mifflin Township
Dr. Anthony Wilson – Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, Columbus Metropolitan Library
Donna Zuiderweg – Chief Community Engagement Officer, Columbus Metropolitan Library
*Columbus Metropolitan Library Board of Trustees Member
**Columbus Metropolitan Library Foundation Board Member
+Friends of the Library Board Member
The former Gahanna Branch, built in 1991 and renovated in 1998, was one of the most heavily used in CML’s 23-location system. The new two-level Gahanna Branch nearly doubles its size from roughly 21,400 square feet to approximately 36,400 square feet.
The Gahanna Branch project is part of Phase II of CML’s Aspirational Building Program. Learn more here.
Today’s dedication ceremony also coincides with CML’s 150th birthday. The library is hosting birthday bashes today at 22 of its 23 locations with family-friendly activities, performances, prizes and refreshments. CML will continue celebrating throughout the remainder of 2023 with:
- Sesquicentennial Author Series: Bridgerton author Julia Quinn will speak at Main Library tomorrow, Sunday, March 5. Click here to learn more and see this year’s lineup and schedule.
- Columbus Book Festival: The new festival will be held at Main Library and Topiary Park on July 15-16 and feature national and local authors, vendors and programs. Click here to learn more.
- Sesquicentennial Passport: The passport program enables customers of all ages to pick up a booklet at any CML location and complete activities around the city to earn stamps and prizes. Click here to learn more.
- Partner Days: Customers’ library cards give them extra savings throughout CML’s 150th birthday year. Click here to see free or discounted opportunities.
Click here for additional CML press announcements and media resources.
