What's Happening in Dublin, OH…

A cheerful crowd assembled recently to celebrate the opening of the brand new library in Dublin, the local branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library system.

The new facility offers 41,000 square feet, twice the size of its predecessor, meaning the Dublin branch the second largest in the system, surpassed only by the Main Library Downtown. The new building is part of the first phase of a capital improvements plan to rebuild or renovate 10 libraries in the system. Funding for the effort came from both private investors and a bond issue that together raised $130m for the effort. Phase 2 of the plan will include renovating or building four more libraries, in Reynoldsburg, Karl Road, Hilltop, and Gahanna.

When residents first saw the design proposed for the building, there were some reservations. The building is a sleek, modern structure that features huge panels of glass and sleek, slate-colored brick. Some felt it was too modern to fit in well with the historic district where it is located. However, all objections seem to have vanished, and people celebrating on opening day were proud of their new library.

The library has a special area for teens, another just for kids, computer stations, meeting rooms, a fish tank, and lots of space for people to relax and read, spread over three levels. Banner printing is often used to provide decorations for events like this.