Friends of the Columbus Metropolitan Library

10/09/2026

NBC4 thank you for your advocacy and spotlighting our latest exhibit.

A new exhibit at the Columbus Metropolitan Library is giving visitors a chance to explore immigration, identity and what it means to feel at home. https://www.nbc4i.com/news/local-news/columbus/columbus-metropolitan-library-exhibit-explores-immigration-belonging-through-art/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook_NBC4

10/07/2026

The countdown is on until the big book sale!

Thursday, October 15 | 4-7 p.m. Members-only preview sale*
Friday, October 16 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Open to All
Saturday, October 17 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Open to All
Sunday, October 18 | 1-4 p.m. Open to All Bag Sale**

General Pricing
Children’s Books start at $1
Comic Books start at $1
Vinyl Records start at $1
Adult Fiction & Nonfiction Books start at $2
DVDs, CDs & Audiobooks start at $3

*Friends of the Library members are passionate library advocates who love Columbus Metropolitan Library and can’t stop talking about all it has to offer. In addition, you’ll also enjoy benefits such as early access to the Big Book Sale on Thursday, October 15.
Join today! at https://www.columbuslibrary.org/friends/join/

**Bag Sale or Clearance Sale on Sunday, October 18 | 1-4 p.m.
Bring a sturdy bag to fill for $5. Proud supporters can purchase a Friends of the Library canvas tote and stock up for $12.

Yes! We love volunteers. Big Book Sale volunteers help us contribute even more to the library. Volunteering is a great way to learn more about Friends of the Library and connect with other Friends members and library supporters.

All book sale volunteers must complete Columbus Metropolitan Library’s Volunteer Application form. https://www.volgistics.com/appform/854331340

When filling out the application, select “General library support” under “I’m interested in volunteering with,” and then select “Friends of the Library-Big Book Sale” under “Location Preference.” Please note that background checks are required to volunteer.

If you have additional questions please DM us via Facebook Messenger.

10/06/2026

Let’s talk strategy.

Remember how everyone wanted to find a Golden Ticket so they could get inside Wonka’s factory?

The Big Book Sale has a Golden Ticket, too.

It’s called becoming a Friend of the Columbus Metropolitan Library.

Sure, it doesn’t come wrapped around a chocolate bar (wait ... that’s actually a great idea), but it does unlock the members-only Preview Sale on Thursday, October 15, one full day before everyone else.

Think about it. While the rest of the world is waiting for the doors to open for the general sale on Friday, you’ll already be wandering the aisles doing your best Veruca Salt impression as you point to books and exclaim, “Mine! Mine! Mine!”

It gives you the opportunity to view everything that we put on the tables and take your seat in this wonderful game of literary musical chairs before the music even starts.

Want your Golden Ticket? Become a Friend here: https://www.columbuslibrary.org/friends/

The Big Book Sale runs Thursday, October 15, through Sunday, October 18, at the Main Library in downtown Columbus. The general sale opens Friday, October 16, with children’s books, comic books, and vinyl records starting at just $1, nonfiction books starting at $2, and DVDs, CDs, and audiobooks starting at $3.

Charlie Bucket had a chocolate factory.

You get a library.

We’d argue you got the better deal.

10/04/2026

Thank you to our friends who attended the opening reception for our latest exhibit.

Immigration: A Journey of Belonging

Sept. 28, 2026-Nov. 12, 2026
Opening Reception: October 3 | 2-4 p.m.
Main Library | Losinski Gallery, 2nd Floor Columbus Metropolitan Library
96 S. Grant Ave. | Columbus, OH 43215

What does it mean to belong? This exhibition captures the full spectrum of the immigrant experience—from painful displacement to joyful connection. Through art, we explore how immigration has touched our lives, challenged our understanding of home, and ultimately united us in the shared search for belonging.

Brought to you by: The Fred and Howard Fund, Columbus Metropolitan Library Foundation, and Friends of the Columbus Metropolitan Library.

10/02/2026

Immigration: A Journey of Belonging

Sept. 28, 2026-Nov. 12, 2026
Opening Reception: October 3 | 2-4 p.m.
Main Library | Losinski Gallery, 2nd Floor Columbus Metropolitan Library
96 S. Grant Ave. | Columbus, OH 43215

What does it mean to belong? This exhibition captures the full spectrum of the immigrant experience—from painful displacement to joyful connection. Through art, we explore how immigration has touched our lives, challenged our understanding of home, and ultimately united us in the shared search for belonging.

Brought to you by: The Fred and Howard Fund, Columbus Metropolitan Library Foundation, and Friends of the Columbus Metropolitan Library.

09/24/2026

Who’s ready for the fall big book sale?

The BIG BOOK SALE is back! 🥳 We're giving our discarded library items a second chance at a well-read life from Oct. 15-18 at Main Library.

$1 – Children's Books, Vinyl Records, Comics
$2 – Adult Fiction & Nonfiction
$3 – DVDs, CDs, and Audiobooks

Thursday, October 15 | 4-7 p.m. (members only)
Friday, October 16 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Saturday, October 17 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sunday, October 18 | 1-4 p.m. (bag sale)

Revenue will support library programs and services and help fund future library levy campaigns via Friends of the Columbus Metropolitan Library. Find more details in the comments ⬇️

09/22/2026

Find your next read & visit the Prehistoric Predators exhibit at our Fall Big Book Sale from October 16-18th at Main Library! The Terror Bird and his friends (including a dire wolf for our fantasy loving friends) can't wait to see you. Member preview night is Oct. 15.

09/01/2026

Don’t have a library card? No problem we have you covered. Visit any Columbus Metropolitan Library location or you can sign up from the comfort of your own home.

🔗 https://www.columbuslibrary.org/apply-library-card/

Thanks for your advocacy FOX 28 Columbus! 👏 📺

September marks the start of Library Card Sign-Up Month, and the American Library Association is encouraging Ohioans of all ages to visit their local libraries

07/12/2026

What a weekend! Thank you to all of our volunteers, longtime Friends, and the many new Friends who joined us at the Big Book Sale. Your support helps the Friends of the Library champion programs, collections, and opportunities that make our community stronger.

We loved seeing the excitement, the overflowing book bags, and the shared joy of discovering a great read. Welcome to our newest members, we’re so glad you’re part of the Friends family!

Don’t forget: Friend members receive access to the Members-Only Preview Sale before the public this fall.

🗓 Save the date:
• Friends Preview Sale: Thursday, Oct. 15
• Big Book Sale: Oct. 16–18
Columbus Metropolitan Library | inside the main library | 96 S. Grant Ave.

Not a Friend yet? Join today and enjoy member perks all year long:
https://www.columbuslibrary.org/friends/join/

07/12/2026

📚 It’s the FINAL DAY of the Big Book Sale and it’s Bag Sale Day! 🎉

For just $5, fill a bag or tote with books. It’s one of the best deals of the weekend!

If you’re heading to the Columbus Book Festival and the Big Book Sale today:
✔️ Have a parking plan before you arrive.
✔️ Come early for the best selection. Supplies are limited.
✔️ Most importantly, have fun exploring everything the festival has to offer!

Check out the festival guide for today’s schedule and activities:https://www.columbusbookfestival.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/CBF-2026-Event-Program.pdf

We’ve also had a lot of people ask how to get first access to future Big Book Sales. The answer is simple: become a Friend of the Library! Friends are invited to our exclusive Members Preview Sale the day before the public sale, giving you first pick of thousands of books and media.

Preview Sale dates are shared in advance on our website, social media channels, and in our newsletter.

Join today and never miss your chance for first dibs: https://www.columbuslibrary.org/friends/join/

📸 Columbus Book Festival