Karl Road Branch
🏢 Columbus Metropolitan Library — Columbus, Ohio
Karl Road Branch
The Columbus Metropolitan Library Karl Road Branch is a 40,000-square-foot library that opened in 2021 in the diverse Northland area, designed as a welcoming hub for the neighborhood's many New American families.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 9 AM – 9 PM |
| Tuesday | 9 AM – 9 PM |
| Wednesday | 9 AM – 9 PM |
| Thursday | 9 AM – 9 PM |
| Friday | 9 AM – 6 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM – 6 PM |
| Sunday | 1 PM – 5 PM |
Hours may vary on holidays.
📍 Location & Contact
Address: 5590 Karl Road, Columbus, OH 43229
Phone: (614) 645-2275
Website: columbuslibrary.org
📖 About Karl Road Branch
The Karl Road Branch serves Columbus's Northland area from 5590 Karl Road, a rapidly growing and diverse community that is home to many immigrant and refugee families. The library cut the ribbon on its new building on September 9, 2021, replacing the former branch that had been built in 1988 and was one of the most heavily used locations in the system. Part of Phase II of Columbus Metropolitan Library's aspirational building program, the two-level branch doubled in size from roughly 20,000 to approximately 40,000 square feet. It was designed by Moody Nolan — whose CEO Jonathan Moody is a graduate of nearby Northland High School — with Turner as construction manager. The building was conceived as a long-term investment in Northland, a visually inspiring setting where residents feel seen and supported.
⭐ What makes this branch special
- New building opened September 9, 2021, replacing the former 1988 branch on the property
- Doubled in size from roughly 20,000 to approximately 40,000 square feet over two levels
- Designed by Moody Nolan (CEO Jonathan Moody is a Northland High School graduate); Turner was construction manager
- Three meeting rooms, 10 study rooms and two conference rooms
- Interactive children's area, Ready for Kindergarten space, Tween and Teen areas, and a School Help Center serving Northland's diverse, largely New American community
📱 Free with a Columbus Metropolitan Library Card
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did the new Karl Road Branch open?
The new Karl Road Branch was dedicated on September 9, 2021. It replaced the previous branch, built in 1988, which had been one of the most heavily used locations in Columbus Metropolitan Library's system.
What community does the Karl Road Branch serve?
The branch serves the growing and diverse Northland area, home to many New American immigrant and refugee families. It was designed as a long-term investment in the neighborhood, with partners serving Bhutanese, Ethiopian and other immigrant communities at its ribbon-cutting.
What meeting and study spaces does the Karl Road Branch offer?
The 40,000-square-foot branch includes three meeting rooms, 10 study rooms and two conference rooms, plus an interactive children's area, a Ready for Kindergarten space, Tween and Teen areas, and a School Help Center for free after-school help.
📚 This library has study rooms. See how library study rooms work — booking, time limits and quiet vs group rooms — and find other libraries with study rooms libraries with study rooms by state.
📅 This library has meeting & community rooms. See how library meeting rooms work — booking, policies and fees — and find other libraries with meeting or community rooms meeting rooms by state.