The Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML) has released the latest design concept for its new Martin Luther King Branch. It has also revealed a new location for that branch – about two blocks west of the existing library, which sits at 1600 E. Long St.
CML Marketing & Communications Specialist Ben Zenitsky confirmed that the new library will be built on the southwest corner of East Long Street and Taylor Avenue.
“The state legislature has approved Ohio State to sell us the land since it’s currently a part of OSU East Hospital…we anticipate closing on the property next month,” said Zenitsky. “The current building will be put up for sale once the branch moves into the new building.”
The new design is from Moody Nolan, the architecture firm behind the recently-completed Parsons and Shepard libraries.
At about 18,000 square feet, the new branch will be roughly twice the size of the old one, and will feature more public computers, expanded community space, and a much larger children’s area. It will also feature more parking spaces, according to information on the CML website.
Zenitsky said that two public meetings were held at the current branch to get feedback on plans for the new library, and that the design has been presented to the Near East Area Commission.
The new Martin Luther King branch will be the eighth new or renovated library branch to open in the last three years. The new Northside Branch is scheduled to open this summer, and new Dublin and Hilliard branches are in the design phase.