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The Underground Railroad in Bartholomew County

With the Bartholomew County Genealogical Society
2026-04-18 10:00:00 2026-04-18 12:00:00 America/Indiana/Indianapolis The Underground Railroad in Bartholomew County 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! Columbus - Red Room

Saturday, April 18
10:00am - 12:00pm

Add to Calendar 2026-04-18 10:00:00 2026-04-18 12:00:00 America/Indiana/Indianapolis The Underground Railroad in Bartholomew County 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! Columbus - Red Room

Columbus

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!

AGE GROUP: | Adults |

EVENT TYPE: | Genealogy/Local History |

Columbus
Phone: 812-379-1255
Hours
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Columbus

Mon, May 11 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Tue, May 12 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Wed, May 13 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Thu, May 14 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Fri, May 15 9:00AM to 6:00PM
Sat, May 16 9:00AM to 6:00PM
Sun, May 17 Closed
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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.  

About the branch

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.  

Upcoming events

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Music with Valerie
Fri, May 15, 10:15am - 11:15am
Columbus - Red Room
Join music therapist, Valerie Jones, as she guides the group through well-known songs with gentle movement and participation
Teen Finals Survival HQ
Fri, May 15, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Columbus - Teen Area
Finals are coming, you don't have to face them alone. We've got the essentials for a one-stop shop for studying for your exams.
Master Gardener's Plant Sale
Sat, May 16, 9:00am - 12:00pm
Columbus - Library Plaza
Browse Master Gardener-grown plants, including natives, perennials, annuals, vegetables, herbs, and more. Expert gardeners on-site to help with selections. Proceeds support local programs.
Hooks and Needles
Sat, May 16, 11:00am - 1:00pm
Columbus - Teen Room
The Hooks and Needles program is for all types of needle crafters to gather, create, and socialize.
Flow Yoga
Mon, May 18, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Columbus - 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.
Teen Puppy Petting Party
Mon, May 18, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Columbus - Teen Room
Destress from finals by visiting with dogs from the Bartholomew County Humane Society.
Library Board of Trustees
Mon, May 18, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Columbus - 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!
Pokemon Club - Ages 5-12
Mon, May 18, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Columbus - 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!
Columbus Viewfinders
Mon, May 18, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Columbus - Conference Room
Learn about different photography topics and share what you know. Minimal annual dues involved after one to two meetings.
Adults Reading YA Book Club: AAPI Heritage Month
Mon, May 18, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Ru Yi
Celebrate AAPI Heritage month by reading any teen book written by and about Asian Americans or Pacific Islanders. Come prepared to share what you read with the group and enjoy appetizers at Ru Yi.
Family Storytime - Ages 1-5
Mon, May 18, 6:00pm - 6:30pm
Columbus - Children's Programming Room
Join us at the library for Family Storytime!
Toddler Time - Ages 1-3
Tue, May 19, 9:15am - 9:45am
Columbus - Red Room
Join us at the library for Toddler Time!
Toddler Time - Ages 1-3
Tue, May 19, 10:00am - 10:30am
Columbus - Red Room
Join us at the library for Toddler Time!
Preschool Storytime - Ages 3-5
Tue, May 19, 11:00am - 11:30am
Columbus - Red Room
Join us at the library for Storytime!
Chair Yoga
Tue, May 19, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Columbus - 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: Intermediate: Lemon Peel Washcloth
Tue, May 19, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Columbus - Teen Room
Learn to make the Lemon Peel pattern washcloth using cotton yarn that you can take home and use when washing your face. All supplies provided.
Pokemon Club - Ages 5 and up
Tue, May 19, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Hope - Hope Branch Library
Card collectors, trainers, gamers, and fans are all welcome to join as we learn and talk about all things Pokemon!
Girls Who Code
Tue, May 19, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Columbus - Children's Programming Room
Girls Who Code Clubs are spaces where girls can join our sisterhood of supportive peers and use Computer Science to change the world.
Tired of Feeling Tired? - Functional Medicine with Dr. Miller
Tue, May 19, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Columbus - Red Room
Join us to learn why energy crashes and brain fog happen, and what you can do about it naturally.
Hooks and Needles
Wed, May 20, 10:00am - 11:00am
Hope - Hope Branch Library
The Hooks and Needles program is for all types of needle crafters to gather, create, and socialize.
Preschool STEAM- I.M. Pei - Ages 3-5
Wed, May 20, 11:15am - 12:00pm
Columbus - Children's Programming Room
Children ages 3-5 and their caregivers will explore the the architecture of Chinese-American Architect I.M. Pei from inside a building he designed (our main library branch!)
Teen Film Series: AAPI Superheroes
Wed, May 20, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Columbus - Teen Room
6 - Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings 13 - Big Hero 6 20 - Aquaman
Teen Last Day of School Ice Cream Party
Wed, May 20, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Columbus - Teen Area
Celebrate the end of the school year with our semiannual ice cream party!
Adult Story Time
Wed, May 20, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Hope - Hope Branch Library
Relax and unwind as we share engaging short stories read aloud for adults. Enjoy a cozy atmosphere, good company, and the simple pleasure of being read to.
Civil War Book Club
Wed, May 20, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Columbus - Meeting Room 4
Join this engaging book discussion group to explore captivating non-fiction about the Civil War and uncover its history and lasting impact.
Ladies and Gentelmen Start Your Engines!
Wed, May 20, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Columbus - Red Room
It's May! Join us at the library to celebrate the Greatest Spectacle in Racing, the Indianapolis 500! We will have games, music, and make our own traditions!
Inner Shelf Book Club - Chatter: The Voice in Our Head
Wed, May 20, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Columbus - Conference Room
Chatter: The Voice in Our Head, Why It Matters, and How to Harness It by Dr. Ethan Kross
Library Babies - For infants from birth to 18 months
Thu, May 21, 10:00am - 10:30am
Columbus - Red Room
This relaxed program is a baby-friendly introduction to storytime.
Preschool Dance Class with Megan - Ages 2-5
Thu, May 21, 10:00am - 10:30am
Columbus - 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, May 21, 10:35am - 11:00am
Columbus - Red Room
This relaxed program is a baby-friendly introduction to storytime.
Library Babies - For infants from birth to 18 months
Thu, May 21, 11:05am - 11:30am
Columbus - Red Room
This relaxed program is a baby-friendly introduction to storytime.
This event is full
Tween Game Time
Thu, May 21, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Columbus - 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.
Native Plant Landscaping - With Master Gardener Sheila Dean
Thu, May 21, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Columbus - Red Room
Learn how to create a beautiful, low-maintenance landscape with native plants. Get practical tips for choosing the right plants, planning your space, and helping your garden thrive.
Music is Magic! - Ages 2-5
Fri, May 22, 9:15am - 10:00am
Columbus - 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.
This event is full
All Library Locations Closed
Mon, May 25, All day
Columbus
All locations are closed on this day.
Toddler Time - Ages 1-3
Tue, May 26, 9:15am - 9:45am
Columbus - Red Room
Join us at the library for Toddler Time!
Toddler Time - Ages 1-3
Tue, May 26, 10:00am - 10:30am
Columbus - Red Room
Join us at the library for Toddler Time!
Preschool Storytime - Ages 3-5
Tue, May 26, 11:00am - 11:30am
Columbus - Red Room
Join us at the library for Storytime!
Summer Feeding Site
Tue, May 26, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Columbus - Conference Room
Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation meal site location, free to children 0 to 18 years of age.
Chair Yoga
Tue, May 26, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Columbus - 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.
Legal Aid Clinic
Tue, May 26, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Columbus - Lower Level Reception Area,Meeting Room 3,Meeting Room 4,Meeting Room 5
3pm - 4pm General Civil Advice Clinic 4pm - 5pm Eviction Legal Advice
All Book'd Book Club - Cursed Daughters, by Oyinkan Braithwaite
Tue, May 26, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Columbus - Conference Room
Join our lively monthly book club! We read a variety of fiction and nonfiction titles. New members always welcome.
Teen Film Series: 90s Triple Feature
Wed, May 27, 11:00am - 5:30pm
Columbus - Teen Room
School is over! Watch movies and enjoy summer break! Approximate schedule: 11:00 - Newsies (1992) 1:00 - Godzilla (1998) 3:20 - Ever After (1998)
Summer Feeding Site
Wed, May 27, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Columbus - Conference Room
Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation meal site location, free to children 0 to 18 years of age.
Library Babies - For infants from birth to 18 months
Thu, May 28, 10:00am - 10:30am
Columbus - 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, May 28, 10:35am - 11:00am
Columbus - Red Room
This relaxed program is a baby-friendly introduction to storytime.
Library Babies - For infants from birth to 18 months
Thu, May 28, 11:05am - 11:30am
Columbus - Red Room
This relaxed program is a baby-friendly introduction to storytime.
This event is full
Summer Feeding Site
Thu, May 28, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Columbus - Conference Room
Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation meal site location, free to children 0 to 18 years of age.
Tween Game Time
Thu, May 28, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Columbus - 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.
NAMI Peer Support
Thu, May 28, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Columbus - Conference Room
NAMI support groups are peer-led and offer participants an opportunity to share their experiences and gain support from other attendees.
3d Printing 101
Thu, May 28, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Columbus - Meeting Room 4
Step into the world of 3D printing. This introductory class is perfect for anyone curious about this exciting technology. No experience? No problem!
Summer Feeding Site
Fri, May 29, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Columbus - Conference Room
Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation meal site location, free to children 0 to 18 years of age.
America's Mixtape: Columbus City Band - A Reading Roadtrip Summer Concert Series
Fri, May 29, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Columbus - Library Plaza
Columbus City Band kicks off the series with a special concert honoring long-time conductor Steve McGrew, featuring Sousa, Sinatra, Bacharach, Mancini & more. Join us for a summer evening of music.
Summer Feeding Site
Mon, Jun 01, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Columbus - Conference Room
Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation meal site location, free to children 0 to 18 years of age.
Adult Game Night
Mon, Jun 01, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Columbus Bar
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, Jun 02, 9:15am - 9:45am
Columbus - Red Room
Join us at the library for Toddler Time!
Toddler Time - Ages 1-3
Tue, Jun 02, 10:00am - 10:30am
Columbus - Red Room
Join us at the library for Toddler Time!
Preschool Storytime - Ages 3-5
Tue, Jun 02, 11:00am - 11:30am
Columbus - Red Room
Join us at the library for Storytime!
Summer Feeding Site
Tue, Jun 02, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Columbus - Conference Room
Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation meal site location, free to children 0 to 18 years of age.
Teen Listening Party: Reading Roadtrip
Tue, Jun 02, 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Columbus - Teen Room
Play car games and build the perfect roadtrip playlist.
Summer Feeding Site
Wed, Jun 03, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Columbus - Conference Room
Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation meal site location, free to children 0 to 18 years of age.
Laid Back Library Wednesday - Columbus Branch
Wed, Jun 03, 1:00pm - 1:45pm
Columbus - Red Room
Join us after lunch for some laid back fun. Games, crafts, and more.
Teen Film Series: Reading Roadtrip
Wed, Jun 03, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Columbus - Teen Room
June 3 - A Goofy Movie 17 - America by Rail 24 - The Mitchell's vs. the Machine July 8 - The Muppet Movie 15 - Pee-Wee's Big Adventure 22 - The Wizard of Oz
Skill Builders:
Wed, Jun 03, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Columbus - Lower Level Reception Area,Meeting Room 3,Meeting Room 4,Meeting Room 5
Have fun crafting while we socialize. This month, we will be making a [insert activity here}.
Teen Drop-in
Wed, Jun 03, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Hope - Hope Branch Library
Join us for a Teen Hangout! There will be a possibility of games, crafts, and definitely fun!
Laid Back Library Wednesdays - Eastside Branch
Wed, Jun 03, 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Eastside - Meeting Room
Join us after lunch for some laid back fun. Games, crafts, and more.
Evolution and Conservation of Bats - Presented by Sierra club Winding Waters Group
Wed, Jun 03, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Columbus - Red Room
Join us for a talk by Dr. Giorgia Auteri as they share what bat evolution can teach us and why bat conservation is vital for healthy ecosystems and for our communities.
Bartholomew County Writer's Group
Wed, Jun 03, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Columbus - Conference Room
Make connections, learn, and share with other area authors.
Summer Feeding Site
Thu, Jun 04, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Columbus - Conference Room
Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation meal site location, free to children 0 to 18 years of age.
Teen Game Day
Thu, Jun 04, 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Columbus - Teen Room
Learn to play new games and enjoy older ones. Play an assortment of board games and card games, and enjoy games on our new gaming PCs and arcade machine, and the library's Nintendo Switch!
Thrusday Film Club: Road Trip Edition - The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1996)
Thu, Jun 04, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Columbus - Red Room
Join us to watch this glittering, feel-good road movie about three drag performers who hit the Australian outback in a battered bus named Priscilla on the way to a remote gig.
Storytime at Eastside! - For picture book fans of all ages!
Fri, Jun 05, 9:00am - 9:30am
Eastside - Community Room
Join library staff at Eastside for stories, songs, and rhymes!
Summer Feeding Site
Fri, Jun 05, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Columbus - Conference Room
Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation meal site location, free to children 0 to 18 years of age.
Cruise-in to Summer Reading - on the Hope Town Square
Fri, Jun 05, 5:00pm - 8:00pm
Hope - Hope Town Square
Come and learn about the Summer Reading program at the June cruise-in!
The Disassemblers - Bike!
Sat, Jun 06, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Columbus - Conference Room
Have you ever wondered how a bike works? Satisfy your curiosity at this special Disassemblers with Matteo Auteri from Columbus Bike Co-op. We will disassemble a bicycle and see what we discover!
Summer Feeding Site
Mon, Jun 08, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Columbus - Conference Room
Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation meal site location, free to children 0 to 18 years of age.
Teen DIY Map Journaling
Mon, Jun 08, 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Columbus - Teen Room
Craft custom Map Junk Journals to track your summer travels! Whether they happen on the road or in the pages of a book, this is the perfect pit stop for your creativity.
Tween Stitch Camp - Grades 4-6
Mon, Jun 08, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Columbus - Tween Area
Tweens can join library staff to learn more about fiber arts. Beginners welcome, no experience needed! Materials will be provided, but feel free to bring your own!
Photography 101
Mon, Jun 08, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Columbus - Conference Room
Join members of the Viewfinders Photography club to learn the basics of photography. All skill levels welcome.
Toddler Time - Ages 1-3
Tue, Jun 09, 9:15am - 9:45am
Columbus - Red Room
Join us at the library for Toddler Time!
Toddler Time - Ages 1-3
Tue, Jun 09, 10:00am - 10:30am
Columbus - Red Room
Join us at the library for Toddler Time!
Preschool Storytime - Ages 3-5
Tue, Jun 09, 11:00am - 11:30am
Columbus - Red Room
Join us at the library for Storytime!
Summer Feeding Site
Tue, Jun 09, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Columbus - Conference Room
Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation meal site location, free to children 0 to 18 years of age.
Teen Crochet Camp: Hangout
Tue, Jun 09, 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Columbus - Teen Room
Beginner-friendly, you can come and learn to crochet or bring you current work in progress and sit and crochet alongside other teens who crochet. Plenty of yarn and hooks will be provided.
Family Movie Night - The Muppet Movie
Tue, Jun 09, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Columbus - Red Room
Join us for a showing of a great road trip movie, The Muppet Movie. Bring your blankets to get cozy!
Summer Feeding Site
Wed, Jun 10, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Columbus - Conference Room
Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation meal site location, free to children 0 to 18 years of age.
Eastside Neighborhood Summer Reading Sign-up
Wed, Jun 10, 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Eastside - Community Room,Meeting Room
Join us at the Eastside Branch to sign up for Summer Reading!
Library Babies - For infants from birth to 18 months
Thu, Jun 11, 10:00am - 10:30am
Columbus - Red Room
This relaxed program is a baby-friendly introduction to storytime.
Preschool Dance Class with Megan - Ages 2-5
Thu, Jun 11, 10:00am - 10:30am
Columbus - 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, Jun 11, 10:35am - 11:00am
Columbus - Red Room
This relaxed program is a baby-friendly introduction to storytime.
Library Babies - For infants from birth to 18 months
Thu, Jun 11, 11:05am - 11:30am
Columbus - Red Room
This relaxed program is a baby-friendly introduction to storytime.
Summer Feeding Site
Thu, Jun 11, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Columbus - Conference Room
Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation meal site location, free to children 0 to 18 years of age.
Teen Game Day
Thu, Jun 11, 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Columbus - Teen Room
Learn to play new games and enjoy older ones. Play an assortment of board games and card games, and enjoy games on our new gaming PCs and arcade machine, and the library's Nintendo Switch!
Teen Drop-in
Thu, Jun 11, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Eastside - Community Room
Join us for a Teen Hangout! There will be a possibility of games, crafts, and definitely fun!
Roadtrip to Nowhere! Roadside Attractions
Thu, Jun 11, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Columbus - Conference Room
Take a pretend road trip to some of the United State's biggest, strangest, and most fun roadside attractions.
Poetry Reading with John Sherman
Thu, Jun 11, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Columbus - Red Room
John Sherman, an award-winning writer and photographer based in Indianapolis, will give a poetry reading from Fussing A Bit: Poems of My Lives, his newly released fourth book of poetry.
Storytime at Eastside! - For picture book fans of all ages!
Fri, Jun 12, 9:00am - 9:30am
Eastside
Join library staff at Eastside for stories, songs, and rhymes!
Music is Magic! - Ages 2-5
Fri, Jun 12, 9:15am - 10:00am
Columbus - 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.
Summer Feeding Site
Fri, Jun 12, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Columbus - Conference Room
Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation meal site location, free to children 0 to 18 years of age.
Teen Tiny Canvas Painting Day
Fri, Jun 12, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Columbus - Teen Room
Pick up your tiny canvas for this year's annual Tiny Canvas Contest and use our supplies to paint it! All supplies provided.
America's Mixtape: Bach's Lunch - A Reading Roadtrip summer concert Series
Fri, Jun 12, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Columbus - Library Plaza
Bach's Lunch brings classic rock to the Plaza for a summer evening of live music. Show up, settle in, and have a great evening with neighbors and friends.
See all events