Founded in 1873, The Columbus Metropolitan Library incorporates the best of historic architecture with state of the art library technology. From the grand marble staircase to high speed internet access, this three floor library is of museum quality. Street parking is available, as well as, parking in the North Library Parking garage which runs $1 for every two hours. The first hour is free. The parking garage does have a maximum height clearance. There is easy access by bus. The library has three floors with a grand chandelier, high arched ceilings, art galleries, murals, an auditorium, meeting rooms, study areas, cafe, gift shop and of course a ton of books and computer center. The back of the library has a patio and is adjacent to the Topiary Garden. The library has a helpline that can be called for assistance. The online catalog system makes finding what you need easy and convenient. In the event the library does not have what you are looking for they have an inter-library loan system. A unique feature in this library is their online questionaire which once completed allows the library to create a book list tailored to your interests. Ebooks, audiobooks, films & documentaries, movies, magazines, newspapers, comics and graphics are some of the other offerings. I came to checkout their meeting rooms for availability and functionality. The cafe on the first floor named "Carnegies" serves snacks, drinks, fruits, muffins and flavored coffee. The patio in the rear of the building has tables, chairs and umbrellas.

We are out of town tourists who stumbled upon this wonderful library. It is so inviting and has a great kids section along with art and sculpture displays and a cafe and a shop. My littlest could have spent hours here and even my teen had a good time exploring.