This new vehicle will be equipped with curated collections of library materials as well as interactive technology. CML staff members will drive it to community events to welcome new and existing library customers and engage with members of the public. The new pop-up library will begin operating this spring.

“We are grateful to Battelle for this special Valentine’s Day gift,” said CML CEO Lauren Hagan. “This new pop-up library will bring our library services beyond our walls and out into our community in new and exciting ways. We’re eager to share this gift with all.”

“At Battelle, we believe in the transformative power of knowledge,” said Wes Hall, Senior Vice President of Philanthropy & Education at Battelle. “This pop-up library creates access to books and learning for more of our central Ohio community, sparking curiosity and broadening future horizons.”

The pop-up library is expected to make over 100 stops in the community each year, reaching 20,000 customers or more, including many students and families. Funding for the vehicle was just one part of Battelle’s milestone gift of $3.1 million in 2023. Other funded programs include the enhancement of CML’s Summer Reading Challenge, expansion of Ready for Kindergarten Classes and resources, development of a new author series for children and families, investment in community and school outreach and the addition of personalized learning elements and technology at many of CML’s 23 locations.

This gift was made possible through the Columbus Metropolitan Library Foundation, which provides financial support for CML’s greatest needs and highest priorities through philanthropic giving. Every day, CML inspires reading, shares resources and connects people. Support for the CML Foundation ensures that the library will be its very best for generations to come.

Every day, the people of Battelle apply science and technology to solving what matters most. At major technology centers and national laboratories around the world, Battelle conducts research and development, designs and manufactures products and delivers critical services for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio since its founding in 1929, Battelle serves the national security, health and life sciences and energy and environmental industries. For more information, visit battelle.org.

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COLUMBUS—The Columbus Metropolitan Library Foundation has announced Tom Dillard, MSSA, LSW as the 2024 recipient of the Julian Sinclair Smith Award. The award’s namesake was the founder of Sinclair Broadcast Group and enthusiastically supported reading, education and lifelong learning. Each year, the Foundation presents the award to honor inspiring individuals living or working in and around Franklin County with a passion for lifelong learning. The award will be presented at the Foundation’s 32nd annual Celebration of Learning fundraising event on Friday, Nov. 1 at Main Library.

A social worker and community activist, Dillard leveraged his education, experience and unwavering commitment to create positive change in Columbus. His upbringing, steeped in African American culture and values, along with memories of his mother reading him stories like The Little Red Hen and The Little Engine That Could, produced his resilient and determined spirit. A graduate of East High School, Muskingum University and Case Western Reserve University, Dillard’s education equipped him with the knowledge and skills to effect real change.

Dillard has been a champion for Columbus City Schools, founding trustee of the Near East Area Housing Board, representative of the Coalition of Concerned Black Citizens and past president of the Poindexter Foundation. His involvement with Columbus Metropolitan Library – as president of the Friends of the Library, donor to the Martin Luther King Branch, event speaker, contributor of historical documents, workshop presenter and levy campaign volunteer – demonstrates his deep commitment to the library’s mission.

Celebration of Learning, the Foundation’s annual fundraiser, will be held at Main Library on Friday, Nov. 1 and feature Pulitzer Prize-winning author Colson Whitehead. The 2024 honorary chairs are Lisa and Jeff Edwards and event co-chairs are Rhonda and Charlie Fraas. Event proceeds support the library’s greatest needs and highest priorities.

Visit the Foundation’s Celebration of Learning webpage for more information and to register.

Columbus Metropolitan Library Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization that provides financial support for the library’s greatest needs and long-range goals through generous private donations, ensuring the library’s collections, programs and services will be available for generations of learners to come. Visit columbuslibrary.org/foundation to learn more.

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CML will use this funding to:

• Purchase additional technology and resources for adult customers to build life skills
• Provide programs and events where adults can connect with experts and network
• Enhance strategic partnerships to help adults reach their full potential
• Pilot new programs and services to meet the needs of adult customers
• Support its Business & Nonprofit Resource Center

“We’re grateful for IBP’s generosity and commitment to improving the lives of our adult customers,” said CML CEO Patrick Losinski. “This is about more than dollars and cents; it is a vote of confidence in the critical work we do in our community. We do not take that responsibility lightly.”

“We’re incredibly proud to support the Columbus Metropolitan Library Foundation’s commitment to empowering adults through life skills and resources,” said Kelly Clifford Riehl, Vice President of Communication and Community Relations, IBP, and President of the IBP Foundation. “This partnership reflects our belief that everyone deserves a chance to learn and grow, and we’re excited to see the difference it will make in our community.”

The Columbus Metropolitan Library Foundation provides financial support for CML’s greatest needs and highest priorities through philanthropic giving. Every day, CML provides vital services to the central Ohio community, from sparking conversations about social justice to helping our youngest readers build a foundation for lifelong learning. Support for the CMLF ensures that the library is able to offer programs and services free and open to all.

Installed Building Products, Inc. (IBP) is one of the nation’s largest new residential insulation installers and is a diversified installer of complementary building products, including waterproofing, fire-stopping, fireproofing, garage doors, rain gutters, window blinds, shower doors, closet shelving and mirrors and other products for residential and commercial builders located in the continental United States. IBP manages all aspects of the installation process for its customers, from direct purchase and receipt of materials from national manufacturers to its timely supply of materials to job sites and quality installation. IBP offers its portfolio of services for new and existing single-family and multi-family residential and commercial building projects in all 48 continental states and the District of Columbia from its national network of over 250 branch locations. For more information, visit installedbuildingproducts.com.

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COLUMBUS—The Columbus Metropolitan Library Foundation has announced Mimi Brodsky Chenfeld as the 2023 recipient of the Julian Sinclair Smith Award. The award’s namesake was the founder of Sinclair Broadcast Group and enthusiastically supported reading, education and lifelong learning. Each year, the Foundation presents the award to honor inspiring individuals living or working in and around Franklin County with a passion for lifelong learning. The award will be presented at the Foundation’s 31st annual Celebration of Learning fundraising event on Friday, Nov. 3 at Main Library.

A former fourth grade teacher, Chenfeld has been advocating and celebrating learning for 67 years. From early childhood programs to senior communities, from prisons and hospitals to preschool classrooms and universities, she has inspired and ignited a joy of dance for people of all ages and backgrounds. Chenfeld has presented programs in creative education in 46 states, Puerto Rico, Canada and Great Britain. 

Chenfeld started writing at 9 years old. Her children’s novel, The House At 12 Rose Street, was adapted for a TV special and nominated for an Emmy. She has since written numerous education books and had a regular column in Columbus Parent magazine. Her personal greatest honor came from a child who wrote to her, “Mimi, you’re the queen of fun.”

Celebration of Learning, the Foundation’s annual fundraiser, will be held at Main Library on Friday, Nov. 3 and feature author, podcaster and philanthropist John Green. The 2023 honorary chairs are Montra and Jonathan Moody and event co-chairs are Jennifer Massanova and Lou Von Thaer. Event proceeds support the library’s greatest needs and highest priorities.

Visit the Foundation’s Celebration of Learning webpage for more information and to register. Columbus Metropolitan Library Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization that provides financial support for the library’s greatest needs and long-range goals through generous private donations, ensuring the library’s collections, programs and services will be available for generations of learners to come. Visit columbuslibrary.org/foundation to learn more.

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CMLF will use this funding to:

• Enhance CML’s Summer Reading Challenge
• Expand CML’s Ready for Kindergarten classes and resources
• Develop a new author series for children and families
• Invest in community and school outreach
• Add personalized learning elements and technology at many of CML’s 23 locations

Battelle served as the Presenting Sponsor for this past weekend’s inaugural Columbus Book Festival. The organization will also hold this distinction at CMLF’s annual fundraising event, Celebration of Learning, to be held at Main Library on Nov. 3.

“This truly is a transformational gift,” said CML CEO Patrick Losinski. “We’re grateful for Battelle’s generosity. This is about more than dollars and cents; it is a vote of confidence in the critical work we do in our community. We do not take that responsibility lightly.”

“With this gift, Battelle seeks to spark curiosity in young minds across central Ohio,” said Wes Hall, Vice President of Philanthropy & Education at Battelle. “Reading opens doors for the next generation of leaders and we are proud to join our library partners in expanding access across our community.”

The Columbus Metropolitan Library Foundation provides financial support for CML’s greatest needs and highest priorities through philanthropic giving. Every day, CML provides vital services to the central Ohio community, from sparking conversations about social justice to helping our youngest readers build a foundation for lifelong learning. Support for the CMLF ensures that the library is able to offer programs and services free and open to all.

Every day, the people of Battelle apply science and technology to solving what matters most. At major technology centers and national laboratories around the world, Battelle conducts research and development, designs and manufactures products and delivers critical services for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio since its founding in 1929, Battelle serves the national security, health and life sciences and energy and environmental industries. For more information, visit battelle.org.

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COLUMBUS—The Columbus Metropolitan Library Foundation (CMLF) has announced Ann and Ron Pizzuti as the 2022 recipients of the Julian Sinclair Smith Award, whose namesake was the founder of Sinclair Broadcast Group and had a passion for reading, education and lifelong learning. Each year, CMLF presents the award to honor inspiring individuals living or working in and around Franklin County with a passion for lifelong learning. The award will be presented at CMLF’s 30th annual Celebration of Learning fundraising event on Friday, Nov. 4 at Main Library.

Longtime central Ohio real estate developers, the Pizzutis are well known for transforming public spaces and for working to make art accessible to all. In 2015, they transformed a 100-year-old building in the Short North Arts District into the public Pizzuti Collection. The space has been part of the Columbus Museum of Art since 2018. Ron and Ann are also lifelong learners, serving in leadership positions at several schools and universities. Both avid readers, Ann has belonged to the same book club for 37 years and read more than 370 books.

Roger Sugarman will be honored with the Columbus Metropolitan Library Foundation Award, which recognizes an individual volunteer or volunteers who have had a sustained impact and demonstrated a commitment, passion and dedication to the library and/or its Foundation.

Roger Sugarman joined the Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML) Board of Trustees in 2007, serving on and chairing multiple committees and serving as Board President for an unprecedented four years. Additionally, Sugarman was a member of the CMLF Board from 2011 until 2017 and served as Co-Chair of the “Great Libraries CREATE” campaign. Under his leadership, CML renovated and rebuilt 13 branch locations and transformed its Main Library.

Reflecting on more than a decade of service, Sugarman says, “CML is a community treasure that positively impacts countless lives in central Ohio each and every day. Whether inspiring reading, sharing resources or helping build a foundation for a successful future, the library is at the center of helping us all reach our potential. Now, perhaps more than ever before, the library needs and deserves our support so that its books and the diversity of thought it engenders can truly be Open To All.”

Celebration of Learning, CMLF’s annual fundraiser, will be held at Main Library on Friday, Nov. 4 and feature Pulitzer Prize-winning author and historian Jon Meacham. The 2022 honorary chairs are Veronica Meinhard and Kristina M. Johnson, Ph.D. and event co-chairs are Alex and Renée Shumate. Event proceeds support the library’s greatest needs and highest priorities.

Visit CMLF’s Celebration of Learning webpage for more information and to register.

Columbus Metropolitan Library Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization that provides financial support for the library’s greatest needs and long-range goals through generous private donations, ensuring the library’s collections, programs and services will be available for generations of learners to come.

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Currently offered at six of CML’s 23 library locations – with plans for it to be offered at the new Gahanna and Reynoldsburg branches when they open in 2023 and 2024 respectively – the YouMedia program provides teens with access to technology and mentoring designed to ignite creative sparks that could lead to future careers. Teens have the opportunity to mix music, create podcasts, design graphics and logos and to deepen their knowledge of different software and technology. Visit columbuslibrary.org/teens to learn more.

Battelle’s gift, part of its STEM grant program, enables CML to expand YouMedia to its remaining 15 locations with portable kits. These kits include iPads, recording bundles, cameras, green screens, drum pads and more. The Portable YouMedia project is expected to be available at those remaining 15 locations by mid-October.

“Our strategic focus is to help give young minds a foundation for a successful life,” said CML CEO Patrick Losinski. “Battelle’s support greatly expands opportunities for teens throughout central Ohio to experiment, to create and to develop lifelong passions.”

“Columbus Metropolitan Library serves as a powerful resource for education in central Ohio,” said Wes Hall, Vice President, Philanthropy & Education at Battelle. “Our new partnership for the Portable YouMedia project will help ignite the creativity of a new generation of creators.”

Every day, the people of Battelle apply science and technology to solving what matters most. At major technology centers and national laboratories around the world, Battelle conducts research and development, designs and manufactures products and delivers critical services for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio since its founding in 1929, Battelle serves the national security, health and life sciences and energy and environmental industries. For more information, visit battelle.org.

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COLUMBUS—The Columbus Metropolitan Library Foundation (CMLF) has announced Chief Judge Algenon Marbley as the 2021 recipient of the Julian Sinclair Smith Award. Each year, CMLF presents the award to honor inspiring individuals living or working in and around Franklin County with a passion for lifelong learning. The award will be presented at CMLF’s 29th annual Celebration of Learning fundraising event on Friday, Nov. 5 at Main Library.

A federal judge on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, Chief Judge Marbley was appointed to the bench by President Bill Clinton in 1997 upon recommendation from Sen. John Glenn. He became the Chief District Judge in 2019, becoming the first African American to serve in that capacity. Prior to serving on the bench, Judge Marbley was a partner at Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease for 11 years. He served a member of the Board of Trustees of The Ohio State University and currently serves on the boards of the KIPP School and Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

Julian Sinclair Smith was founder of the Sinclair Broadcast Group, owner of WSYX/ABC6 and operator of WTTE/FOX28 and CW Columbus. His rise to prominence in the industry can be attributed to his quest for knowledge, beginning with the completion of a radio correspondence course while still in high school. When he died in 1993, the Smith family chose to honor his passion toward reading, education and lifelong learning, with an award named in his honor presented through the CMLF.

Lynne Redgrave will be honored with the Columbus Metropolitan Library Foundation Award, which recognizes an individual volunteer or volunteers who have had a sustained impact and demonstrated a commitment, passion and dedication to the library and/or its Foundation.

Redgrave served on the CMLF Board of Trustees for nearly a decade. She has been a longtime advocate of Columbus Metropolitan Library, and has been instrumental in supporting and championing library programs like Teen Read Week.

“When we moved to Ohio, choosing to volunteer at Columbus Metropolitan Library was an easy decision for me. With visionary leadership, the entire CML team is deeply committed to supporting literacy and lifelong learning. It has been an absolute privilege to volunteer at this special community treasure.”

Redgrave is the fifth person to receive the CMLF Award, which is given periodically to a recipient selected by CMLF’s Executive Committee. Fellow honorees include Cindy Hilsheimer (2019), Corde Westwater Robinson (2017), Steve Rasmussen (2015) and Charlotte Kessler (2012).

Celebration of Learning, CMLF’s annual fundraiser, will be held at Main Library on Friday, Nov. 5 and feature 2020 MacArthur “Genius” Jacqueline Woodson. The 2021 honorary chairs are Linda and Mike Kaufmann and event co-chairs are Sandy Doyle-Ahern and Renée Shumate. Event proceeds support the library’s greatest needs and highest priorities.

Visit CMLF’s Celebration of Learning webpage for more information and to register.

Columbus Metropolitan Library Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization that provides financial support for the library’s greatest needs and long-range goals through generous private donations, ensuring the library’s collections, programs and services will be available for generations of learners to come.

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