COVID19 Archives - Columbus Metropolitan Library https://www.columbuslibrary.org/category/covid19/ Columbus Metropolitan Library Thu, 20 Jun 2024 19:08:09 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 https://www.columbuslibrary.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/CML_favicon.jpg COVID19 Archives - Columbus Metropolitan Library https://www.columbuslibrary.org/category/covid19/ 32 32 Library to return to normal hours starting March 21 https://www.columbuslibrary.org/operations/library-to-return-to-normal-hours-starting-march-21/ Thu, 17 Mar 2022 15:53:52 +0000 https://www.columbuslibrary.org/?p=13543 COVID-19 pandemic led to shortened hours

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COLUMBUS—Most of Columbus Metropolitan Library’s (CML) 23 locations will return to normal hours starting Monday, March 21. CML reduced hours during the COVID-19 pandemic, with most locations closing at 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday. See updated hours below.

The following locations will be open Mon-Thu: 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Fri & Sat: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sun: 1-5 p.m.:

  • Dublin Branch
  • Hilliard Branch
  • Hilltop Branch
  • Karl Road Branch
  • Main Library
  • New Albany Branch
  • Reynoldsburg Branch
  • Southeast Branch
  • Whetstone Branch
  • Whitehall Branch

The following locations will be open Mon-Thu: 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Fri & Sat: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sun: 1-5 p.m.:

  • Barnett Branch
  • Driving Park Branch
  • Franklinton Branch
  • Gahanna Branch (currently at a temporary location while new branch is under construction)
  • Linden Branch
  • Martin Luther King Branch
  • Northern Lights Branch
  • Northside Branch
  • Parsons Branch
  • Shepard Branch
  • South High Branch

Additionally, the Canal Winchester Branch will be open Mon-Thu: 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Fri & Sat: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and closed Sunday. The Marion-Franklin Branch will keep its current hours: Mon-Thu: 2-7 p.m., Fri: 2-6 p.m. and closed Saturday and Sunday.

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Library to close on Sundays through at least Jan. 9, 2022 https://www.columbuslibrary.org/uncategorized/library-to-close-on-sundays-through-at-least-jan-9-2022/ Tue, 02 Nov 2021 13:16:49 +0000 https://www.columbuslibrary.org/?p=11201 COLUMBUS—Due to a staffing shortage, Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML) will close all 23 of its...

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COLUMBUS—Due to a staffing shortage, Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML) will close all 23 of its locations on Sundays, effective Nov. 14, through at least Jan. 9, 2022.

Fully staffed, CML employs approximately 870 full- and part-time staff members. CML’s current staffing count is 711, meaning there are nearly 160 unfilled positions, stretching the capacity of current staff.

CML leaders, in tandem with its Board of Trustees, will reassess staffing levels in the coming weeks and months to determine whether the Sunday closure will extend beyond Jan. 9.

Digital library resources remain available 24/7 at columbuslibrary.org, including eBooks, eAudiobooks, magazines, movies and music, plus research and learning tools.

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Library to require all customers to wear masks https://www.columbuslibrary.org/covid19/library-to-require-all-customers-to-wear-masks/ Thu, 09 Sep 2021 21:47:21 +0000 https://www.columbuslibrary.org/?p=10459 Move comes in response to Columbus indoor mask order

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COLUMBUS—During a special session held this afternoon, Columbus Metropolitan Library’s (CML) Board of Trustees approved an indoor mask requirement for all CML library customers, regardless of their vaccination status, beginning tomorrow, Friday, Sept. 10. The vote comes after Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther issued an indoor mask requirement order for the City of Columbus.

Of CML’s 23 library locations, 15 are within Columbus city limits. Today’s vote by CML’s Board of Trustees extends that indoor mask order to include all 23 library locations, including those eight located outside of Columbus: CML’s Canal Winchester, Dublin, Hilliard, Gahanna, New Albany, Reynoldsburg, Southeast and Whitehall branches.

CML staff members have been required to wear masks, regardless of their vaccination status, since earlier this summer.

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Library reaffirms support for schools with virtual schoolwork and reading resources https://www.columbuslibrary.org/in-the-news/library-reaffirms-support-for-schools-with-virtual-schoolwork-and-reading-resources/ https://www.columbuslibrary.org/in-the-news/library-reaffirms-support-for-schools-with-virtual-schoolwork-and-reading-resources/#respond Mon, 15 Feb 2021 04:00:00 +0000 https://www.columbuslibrary.org/?p=3268 Students can get live help seven days a week.

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COLUMBUS—Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML) hosted a virtual media event earlier today, reaffirming its support for the 10 school districts it serves and showcasing its School Help webpage, where K-12 students can get one-on-one help with schoolwork and reading.

Those interested can view a portion of the brief program by clicking here.

CML’s School Help webpage features:

  • Online K-12 Homework Help, with staff ready to answer homework questions and help with reading practice via text, chat and phone seven days a week.
  • Video tutorials with step-by-step instructions on how to use key homework tools.
  • HelpNow, a resource that offers 24-hour access to study tools and test preparation, plus online tutors available every day from 2-11 p.m.
  • Links to school district and library resources.


“While we regret that our Homework Help and Reading Buddies programs can’t be offered in person at this time due to the pandemic, we know that students and families need our support more than ever before,” said CML Public Services Director Kathy Shahbodaghi. “However your student is learning right now – whether in person, virtually or a blend of both – Columbus Metropolitan Library is here to help.”

All 23 CML locations are open for Curbside Pickup and nearly all are open for Limited Services. All customers age 5 and older are required to wear a face covering while inside CML buildings.

CML will continue to follow guidelines provided by local, county and state health officials and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Digital library resources remain available 24/7 at columbuslibrary.org, including eBooks, eAudiobooks, magazines, movies and music, plus research and learning tools.

CML has many channels for customers to connect with staff, including:

  • Live Chat: CML’s live chat feature is a convenient way to get help Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday from 1-5 p.m.
  • Phone Lines: CML staff are available at 614-645-2275 to give customers the help they need Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday from 1-5 p.m.
  • School Help: K-12 students, parents and teachers can connect with staff members for Online Homework Help.
  • Reserve an Expert: Customers can book an online, one-on-one appointment to get the help they need.


The safety of customers and staff is a priority for the library. Follow CML on social media (FacebookTwitter) and check columbuslibrary.org for updates. Additional changes in operation will be shared as this public health situation continues to evolve.

CML is grateful to its customers, friends, colleagues and supporters who have expressed their concern and understanding during this uncertain time.

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Library to reopen most locations for Limited Services starting Monday, Feb. 8 https://www.columbuslibrary.org/in-the-news/library-to-reopen-most-locations-for-limited-services-starting-monday-feb-8/ https://www.columbuslibrary.org/in-the-news/library-to-reopen-most-locations-for-limited-services-starting-monday-feb-8/#respond Fri, 05 Feb 2021 03:55:00 +0000 https://www.columbuslibrary.org/?p=3264 COLUMBUS—Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML) will reopen most of its 23 locations for Limited Services starting Monday, Feb. 8....

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COLUMBUS—Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML) will reopen most of its 23 locations for Limited Services starting Monday, Feb. 8.

With LIMITED SERVICES, customers can enter the building to: 

  • Browse the shelves to pick out items.
  • Pick up items on hold.
  • Get Grab & Go Books.
  • Return items.
  • Use a computer (60-minute limit).
  • Reserve a table.
  • Print, copy, scan and fax.
  • Get in-person Job Help and Homework Help at limited locations.


Click here for details about CML’s Limited Services, as well as frequently asked questions.

CML’s New Albany Branch is open for Drive-Up Pickup only during its renovation, expected to be completed in March. And CML’s Marion-Franklin Branch, which has been closed for all services, will reopen with limited weekday hours.

Curbside Pickup and Walk-Up Services will remain available for those customers who prefer them.

Face coverings must be worn to enter CML locations, as required by Gov. Mike DeWine.

CML will continue to follow guidelines provided by local, county and state health officials and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Digital library resources remain available 24/7 at columbuslibrary.org, including eBooks, eAudiobooks, magazines, movies and music, plus research and learning tools.

CML has many channels for customers to connect with staff, including:

  • Live Chat: CML’s live chat feature is a convenient way to get help Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday from 1-5 p.m.
  • Phone Lines: CML staff are available at 614-645-2275 to give customers the help they need Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday from 1-5 p.m.
  • School Help: K-12 students, parents and teachers can connect with staff members for Online Homework Help.
  • Reserve an Expert: Customers can book an online, one-on-one appointment to get the help they need.


The safety of customers and staff is a priority for the library. Follow CML on social media (FacebookTwitter) and check columbuslibrary.org for updates. Additional changes in operation will be shared as this public health situation continues to evolve.

CML is grateful to its customers, friends, colleagues and supporters who have expressed their concern and understanding during this uncertain time.

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