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Columbus

Today's hours

We're open 9:00AM to 8:00PM

Mon, Mar 30 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Tue, Mar 31 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Wed, Apr 01 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Thu, Apr 02 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Fri, Apr 03 9:00AM to 6:00PM
Sat, Apr 04 9:00AM to 6:00PM
Sun, Apr 05 Closed
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Mon, Mar 30 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Tue, Mar 31 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Wed, Apr 01 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Thu, Apr 02 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Fri, Apr 03 9:00AM to 6:00PM
Sat, Apr 04 9:00AM to 6:00PM
Sun, Apr 05 Closed
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this week
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Address
536 5th Street
Columbus, IN 47201
Tel: 812-379-1255

The Main Library is located in the Cleo Rogers Memorial Library in downtown Columbus at 536 Fifth Street. Completed in 1969 and designed by architect I.M. Pei, it features library collections for children, teens, and adults. It also houses the Columbus Indiana Architectural Archives, Family and Local History collection, and BCPL Create studio.  

Latest Events
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Preschool Art Studio - Ages 1-5
Wed, Apr 01, 11:15am - 12:00pm
Children's Programming Room
Please dress for a mess! This is a drop in event, please come any time between 11:15-12:00 and stay as little or as long as you'd like!
Skill Builders: - Geometric Painting
Wed, Apr 01, 1:00pm - 1:45pm
Lower Level Reception Area,Meeting Room 3,Meeting Room 4,Meeting Room 5
Have fun crafting while we socialize. Use painter's tape to create bold geometric designs on canvas, then paint and peel to reveal sharp, modern artwork.
Registration is now closed
Skill Builders: - Geometric Painting
Wed, Apr 01, 2:00pm - 2:45pm
Lower Level Reception Area,Meeting Room 3,Meeting Room 4,Meeting Room 5
Have fun crafting while we socialize. Use painter's tape to create bold geometric designs on canvas, then paint and peel to reveal sharp, modern artwork.
Registration is now closed
Kids' Art Studio
Wed, Apr 01, 4:00pm - 4:45pm
Children's Programming Room
Join library staff and unleash your creativity- we'll provide all the supplies you need.
Bartholomew County Writer's Group
Wed, Apr 01, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Conference Room
Make connections, learn, and share with other area authors.
Sierra Club - Winding Waters Group
Wed, Apr 01, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Red Room
Natalie Perry and Eric Riddle will lead a discussion on the ecological benefits of native plants and what the Sierra Club is doing in Columbus to diversify public landscapes with native plants.
Preschool Dance Class with Megan - Ages 2-5
Thu, Apr 02, 10:00am - 10:30am
Children's Programming Room
Children ages 2-5 are invited to dance with local dance teacher, Megan! Caregivers will stay in the room with their dancers. Registration is requested.
This event is full
Library Babies - For infants from birth to 18 months
Thu, Apr 02, 10:00am - 10:30am
Red Room
This relaxed program is a baby-friendly introduction to storytime.
Library Babies - For infants from birth to 18 months
Thu, Apr 02, 10:35am - 11:00am
Red Room
This relaxed program is a baby-friendly introduction to storytime.
This event is full
Library Babies - For infants from birth to 18 months
Thu, Apr 02, 11:05am - 11:30am
Red Room
This relaxed program is a baby-friendly introduction to storytime.
This event is full
BCPL Author Talk: Smithsonian Curator Emerita Valerie Neal
Thu, Apr 02, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Join us for an exhilarating journey through the history of US women astronauts with Valerie Neal, emerita curator from the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum and expert on human spaceflight.Register
Teen Game Day
Thu, Apr 02, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Teen Room
Learn to play new games and enjoy older ones in this afterschool games club. Play an assortment of board games and card games, and enjoy games on our new gaming PCs and arcade machine.
Tween Game Time
Thu, Apr 02, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Tween Area
Stop by after school and join us for some laid-back fun as we play our way through our collection of board, card, and dice games. Game selection may vary.
First Thursday Film Club - Singing in the Rain
Thu, Apr 02, 6:00pm - 7:45pm
Red Room
Join us on the first Thursday of each month for a curated screening of classic, art, and international films. Discover timeless stories and cinematic gems in the company of fellow film lovers.
Flow Yoga
Mon, Apr 06, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Red Room
Join us for a one-hour session with certified yoga instructor Sonia Aponte. This class will focus on a smooth, continuous flow of movements linked to the breath to help achieve a mind/body balance.
Family Storytime - Ages 1-5
Mon, Apr 06, 6:00pm - 6:30pm
Children's Programming Room
Join us at the library for Family Storytime!
Toddler Time - Ages 1-3
Tue, Apr 07, 9:15am - 9:45am
Red Room
Join us at the library for Toddler Time!
Toddler Time - Ages 1-3
Tue, Apr 07, 10:00am - 10:30am
Red Room
Join us at the library for Toddler Time!
Preschool Storytime - Ages 3-5
Tue, Apr 07, 11:00am - 11:30am
Red Room
Join us at the library for Storytime!
Chair Yoga
Tue, Apr 07, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Red Room
Join us for a one-hour session with certified yoga and chair yoga instructor. These sessions are great for beginners and those who want to focus on gentle practice.
Teen Taste Test: Jelly Beans
Tue, Apr 07, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Teen Room
Taste all the different jelly beans we can find at the store and see which ones you like best! While supplies last.
Pokemon Club: Casual Battles and Learn to Play - All Ages
Tue, Apr 07, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Lower Level Reception Area,Meeting Room 4,Meeting Room 5
Join library staff for a session of Pokemon Club dedicated entirely to playing the Pokemon TCG.
Teen Turning Point Hangout
Wed, Apr 08, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Teen Room
Hang out with Turning Point's Prevention staff and learn more about child abuse warning signs.
Builders' Guild - Mad Scientists
Wed, Apr 08, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Lower Level Reception Area
Join library staff and fellow builders to create, share, and have fun! This month we embrace our inner mad scientist and unleash our imagination!
Library Babies - For infants from birth to 18 months
Thu, Apr 09, 10:00am - 10:30am
Red Room
This relaxed program is a baby-friendly introduction to storytime.
Library Babies - For infants from birth to 18 months
Thu, Apr 09, 10:35am - 11:00am
Red Room
This relaxed program is a baby-friendly introduction to storytime.
Homeschool Hangout - Environmental Science
Thu, Apr 09, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Conference Room
Hey homeschoolers! Come hang out at the library, make some friends and learn something new! This month we will learn about Rachel Carson and Environmental Science!
Library Babies - For infants from birth to 18 months
Thu, Apr 09, 11:05am - 11:30am
Red Room
This relaxed program is a baby-friendly introduction to storytime.
Tween Game Time
Thu, Apr 09, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Tween Area
Stop by after school and join us for some laid-back fun as we play our way through our collection of board, card, and dice games. Game selection may vary.
Teen Life-size Candyland
Thu, Apr 09, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Teen Area
Made for the Library as a senior project, YOU are the pawn in this life-size version of Candyland.
Teen Game Day
Thu, Apr 09, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Teen Room
Learn to play new games and enjoy older ones in this afterschool games club. Play an assortment of board games and card games, and enjoy games on our new gaming PCs and arcade machine.
Perennial Propagation
Thu, Apr 09, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Red Room
Ready to split and conquer? Master gardener Rocky Lortz digs into root types and division techniques to help you multiply your perennial blooms.
Music is Magic! - Ages 2-5
Fri, Apr 10, 9:15am - 10:00am
Children's Programming Room
Explore concepts of music while building social and emotional development in this music program designed to use story, music, and imagination for the developing child.
Cuentos y Cantos con Family School Partners - Spanish Language Storytime
Fri, Apr 10, 11:30am - 12:00pm
Children's Programming Room
¡Los niños están invitados a una hora de cuentos y cantos! Children and their caregivers are invited to a storytime in Spanish!
Teen STEAM: Egg Drop Challenge
Fri, Apr 10, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Teen Room
Construct a vessel out of recycled materials to protect an egg when Dakota throws it off the library roof.
The Disassemblers
Sat, Apr 11, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Conference Room
Have you ever wondered what the inside of a computer looks like? Have you wondered what makes a clock tick? Satisfy your curiosity and help us take things apart to see what we can discover!
Flow Yoga
Mon, Apr 13, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Red Room
Join us for a one-hour session with certified yoga instructor Sonia Aponte. This class will focus on a smooth, continuous flow of movements linked to the breath to help achieve a mind/body balance.
Tween Stitch Camp - Grades 4-6
Mon, Apr 13, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Tween Area
Join children's library staff for a special edition Tween Stitch Camp as we spring into STEAM! This month we'll be making hand-sewn hair scrunchies.
Hack Pack - For Tweens
Mon, Apr 13, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Red Room
Join other creative builders to make and code robots using Crunchlab's Hack Pack.
Teen STEAM: Seed Starting
Mon, Apr 13, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Teen Room
Utilize Cleo?s Seed Share to learn how to start your own flower and vegetable seeds indoors using recycle materials.
Photography 101
Mon, Apr 13, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Conference Room
Join members of the Viewfinders Photography club to learn the basics of photography. All skill levels welcome.
Family Storytime - Ages 1-5
Mon, Apr 13, 6:00pm - 6:30pm
Children's Programming Room
Join us at the library for Family Storytime!
Toddler Time - Ages 1-3
Tue, Apr 14, 9:15am - 9:45am
Red Room
Join us at the library for Toddler Time!
Toddler Time - Ages 1-3
Tue, Apr 14, 10:00am - 10:30am
Red Room
Join us at the library for Toddler Time!
Cuentos y Cantos - Bilingual Storytime in Spanish and English
Tue, Apr 14, 11:00am - 11:30am
Red Room
¡Los niños de 3-5 años están invitados a una hora de cuentos bilingües en Español e Inglés! Children ages 3-5 and their caregivers are invited to a Bilingual storytime in Spanish and English!
Chair Yoga
Tue, Apr 14, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Red Room
Join us for a one-hour session with certified yoga and chair yoga instructor. These sessions are great for beginners and those who want to focus on gentle practice.
Teen Crochet Camp: Beginners
Tue, Apr 14, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Teen Room
Learn the basics of crochet during this beginner-friendly program. If you already know how to crochet you can bring your current work in progress and hangout with us. All supplies provided.
Adult Craft Night: Leaf Stamping
Tue, Apr 14, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Conference Room
Join us for an evening craft program for adults. Each month features a different project. Celebrate spring with some gorgeous leaf art. All supplies provided. Registration required.
Garden & Landscape Design Styles - Featuring Irwin Gardens and the Miller House
Tue, Apr 14, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Red Room
Explore major garden design styles, then zoom in on Columbus?s landscape legacy with slide walk-throughs of Irwin Gardens and the Miller House gardens.
BCPL Author Talk: Brad Taylor
Tue, Apr 14, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Join us in conversation with acclaimed author Brad Taylor on his latest work, Shadow Strike, book 20 (yes, you read that right!) of the bestselling Pike Logan series. Register
Teen Film Series: Spring into STEAM
Wed, Apr 15, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Teen Room
15 - Ferngully: The Last Rainforest 22 - WALL-E 29 - The Wild Robot
What's Growing On These Books?
Wed, Apr 15, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Red Room
Have you ever wondered what kind of bacteria is growing on the library floor? On the Books? On YOU?! We will swab and learn.
Inner Shelf Book Club - The Overstory by Richard Powers
Wed, Apr 15, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Conference Room
Discover heartfelt stories at The Inner Shelf! Monthly themes on wellness & growth. Adults & young adults welcome?join us for authentic conversations!
Preschool Dance Class with Megan - Ages 2-5
Thu, Apr 16, 10:00am - 10:30am
Children's Programming Room
Children ages 2-5 are invited to dance with local dance teacher, Megan! Caregivers will stay in the room with their dancers. Registration is requested.
Library Babies - For infants from birth to 18 months
Thu, Apr 16, 10:00am - 10:30am
Red Room
This relaxed program is a baby-friendly introduction to storytime.
Library Babies - For infants from birth to 18 months
Thu, Apr 16, 10:35am - 11:00am
Red Room
This relaxed program is a baby-friendly introduction to storytime.
Library Babies - For infants from birth to 18 months
Thu, Apr 16, 11:05am - 11:30am
Red Room
This relaxed program is a baby-friendly introduction to storytime.
Teen Dungeons and Dragons
Thu, Apr 16, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Meeting Room 4
Create a level 5, fifth edition character prior to the game or use a pre-created character to explore the world of D&D. This game is beginner-friendly. All materials provided.
This event is full
Teen Game Day
Thu, Apr 16, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Teen Room
Learn to play new games and enjoy older ones in this afterschool games club. Play an assortment of board games and card games, and enjoy games on our new gaming PCs and arcade machine.
Tween Game Time
Thu, Apr 16, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Tween Area
Stop by after school and join us for some laid-back fun as we play our way through our collection of board, card, and dice games. Game selection may vary.
Tiny Prom! - for babies and toddlers under 3
Thu, Apr 16, 6:00pm - 6:45pm
Red Room
Babies and Toddlers under three and their caregivers are invited to dress up, dance, and play at the BCPL Tiny Prom!
Podcasting Production 101
Thu, Apr 16, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Meeting Room 4
Have a podcast idea but don't know where to start? Learn hardware/software options, recording & editing basics, and hosting platforms in this beginner-friendly class.
Music with Valerie
Fri, Apr 17, 10:15am - 11:15am
Red Room
Join music therapist, Valerie Jones, as she guides the group through well-known songs with gentle movement and participation
Teen Dark Mode Poetry
Fri, Apr 17, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Teen Room
Join us for a Blackout Poetry Lab where we turn a page from a discarded novel to uncover art. Using nothing but a black marker to isolate the best words on a page to create something new.
The Underground Railroad in Bartholomew County - With the Bartholomew County Genealogical Society
Sat, Apr 18, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Red Room
Join local historian Larry Perkinson and the Bartholomew County Genealogical Society as he explores the Underground Railroad's impact in our community. Don't miss this fascinating history!
Saturday Storytime - Ages 1-5
Sat, Apr 18, 11:00am - 11:30am
Children's Programming Room
Children ages 1 to 5 years and their families are invited to join us for Saturday Storytime!
Hooks and Needles
Sat, Apr 18, 11:00am - 1:00pm
Teen Room
The Hooks and Needles program is for all types of needle crafters to gather, create, and socialize.
Flow Yoga
Mon, Apr 20, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Red Room
Join us for a one-hour session with certified yoga instructor Sonia Aponte. This class will focus on a smooth, continuous flow of movements linked to the breath to help achieve a mind/body balance.
Pokemon Club - Ages 5-12
Mon, Apr 20, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Lower Level Reception Area,Meeting Room 4,Meeting Room 5
Card collectors, trainers, gamers, and fans are all welcome to join as we learn and talk about all things Pokemon!
Library Board of Trustees
Mon, Apr 20, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Conference Room
The Library Board of Trustees is the governing body of the Bartholomew County Public Library. They meet once a month to pay bills, set policies, and other governance issues. Everyone is welcome!
Family Storytime - Ages 1-5
Mon, Apr 20, 6:00pm - 6:30pm
Children's Programming Room
Join us at the library for Family Storytime!
Columbus Viewfinders
Mon, Apr 20, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Conference Room
Learn about different photography topics and share what you know. Minimal annual dues involved after one to two meetings.
Adult Game Night
Mon, Apr 20, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Great for veteran gamers and new friends, choose from the library?s selection of games, and / or bring your own. Meet in the family side of Columbus Bar, 322 4th Street.
Toddler Time - Ages 1-3
Tue, Apr 21, 9:15am - 9:45am
Red Room
Join us at the library for Toddler Time!
Toddler Time - Ages 1-3
Tue, Apr 21, 10:00am - 10:30am
Red Room
Join us at the library for Toddler Time!
Preschool Storytime - Ages 3-5
Tue, Apr 21, 11:00am - 11:30am
Red Room
Join us at the library for Storytime!
Chair Yoga
Tue, Apr 21, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Red Room
Join us for a one-hour session with certified yoga and chair yoga instructor. These sessions are great for beginners and those who want to focus on gentle practice.
Teen STEAM: Marigolds
Tue, Apr 21, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Teen Room
Learn to plant the marigolds we've started in pots outside the Teen Area.
What is Functional Medicine? - With Dr. Trevor Miller
Tue, Apr 21, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Red Room
Explore functional medicine, a holistic, root cause-focused approach to health and wellness. Join Dr. Trevor Miller for an informative discussion about personalized healthcare strategies.
Reading with Friends
Wed, Apr 22, 9:30am - 10:30am
Red Room
This book group is designed for readers and non-readers. Participants can enjoy stories and be guided through discussion and activities related to the reading.
Preschool STEAM- Earth Day! - Ages 3-5
Wed, Apr 22, 11:15am - 12:00pm
Library Patio
Preschoolers and their caregivers are invited to celebrate Earth Day at the library! We'll dig in the dirt and plant a seed to bring home and grow!
BCPL Author Talk: Miranda Cowley Heller
Wed, Apr 22, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Award-winning and bestselling author Miranda Cowley Heller takes us on an intimate journey through the life stages of a woman in her new poetry collection, What the Deep Water Knows. Register
Teen Film Series: Spring into STEAM
Wed, Apr 22, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Teen Room
15 - Ferngully: The Last Rainforest 22 - WALL-E 29 - The Wild Robot
Library Babies - For infants from birth to 18 months
Thu, Apr 23, 10:00am - 10:30am
Red Room
This relaxed program is a baby-friendly introduction to storytime.
Library Babies - For infants from birth to 18 months
Thu, Apr 23, 10:35am - 11:00am
Red Room
This relaxed program is a baby-friendly introduction to storytime.
Library Babies - For infants from birth to 18 months
Thu, Apr 23, 11:05am - 11:30am
Red Room
This relaxed program is a baby-friendly introduction to storytime.
Teen Game Day
Thu, Apr 23, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Teen Room
Learn to play new games and enjoy older ones in this afterschool games club. Play an assortment of board games and card games, and enjoy games on our new gaming PCs and arcade machine.
Stitch and Sleuth - See How They Run (PG-13)
Thu, Apr 23, 6:00pm - 7:45pm
Red Room
We'll enjoy cozy company, chat theories (if we feel like it), and stitch the night away. All skill levels welcome?Bring your project or try one of ours.
NAMI Peer Support
Thu, Apr 23, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Conference Room
NAMI support groups are peer-led and offer participants an opportunity to share their experiences and gain support from other attendees.
Music is Magic! - Ages 2-5
Fri, Apr 24, 9:15am - 10:00am
Children's Programming Room
Explore concepts of music while building social and emotional development in this music program designed to use story, music, and imagination for the developing child.
Lights Up, Sound Down Movie - Zootopia 2 (PG)
Fri, Apr 24, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Red Room
Watch a movie with us in a sensory-friendly environment. This month's movie will be Zootopia @2 (PG)
Teen Eco-Art Lab
Fri, Apr 24, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Teen Room
Join us for our Eco-Art Lab day, where we will upcycle garbage and make your finest art out of recycled materials. The goal is to make something weird or super cool.
Dungeons & Dragons
Sat, Apr 25, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Teen Room
Join our campaign for adults! Bring a 5th edition level 5 character, or use a premade one. This campaign is geared towards beginners, but veteran players are also welcome. Registration required.
Library After Dark: Coast to Coast
Sat, Apr 25, 7:00pm - 9:30pm
Main Library
Ticketed event, and all proceeds support library programming, including the 2026 Summer Reading Program. What to Expect - Live music - Delicious food - Themed activities - Cash barRegister
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