Public Libraries in Franklin County, Ohio

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📚 County library guide

Public Libraries in Franklin County, Ohio

Franklin County, Ohio is served chiefly by the Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML) — repeatedly rated one of the best public library systems in the United States — anchored by its downtown Main Library at 96 S. Grant Avenue and neighborhood branches across Columbus, founded in 1873.

💡 Looking for a specific service in Franklin County? libraries with study rooms · printing, copying & fax · genealogy & local history.

📚 About Columbus Metropolitan Library

Columbus Metropolitan Library is the main public library system serving Columbus and Franklin County, Ohio. Founded in 1873, it has repeatedly been recognized among the top public library systems in the United States, including a five-star rating from Library Journal and multiple national #1 rankings. Its downtown Main Library at 96 S. Grant Avenue pairs a 1907 Carnegie building with a light-filled 2016 addition overlooking Topiary Park.

A CML card is free to any Ohio resident. This page lists the Columbus Metropolitan Library branches we have individually verified; several suburban Franklin County communities (Worthington, Westerville, Upper Arlington, Bexley and Grove City's Southwest Public Libraries) run their own separate systems.

📱 Free digital access with your card

A free CML card unlocks ebooks and audiobooks on Libby / OverDrive, no-waitlist titles on hoopla, and films on Kanopy. Every Ohio resident can also use the statewide Ohio Web Library research databases free.

Cards are free to any Ohio resident, with borrowing across all CML locations.

Franklin County library branches — 15 verified

Each branch below is verified on its official page with address, hours and services. Browse the full Ohio directory for more.

Main LibraryColumbus, OHCarnegie 1907 flagship →Barnett BranchColumbus, OHNew 2025 building →Driving Park BranchColumbus, OHAward-winning 2015 →Franklinton BranchColumbus, OHHistoric Franklinton →Hilltop BranchColumbus, OHRebuilt 2021 →Karl Road BranchColumbus, OHRebuilt 2021 · Northland →Linden BranchColumbus, OHRebuilt 2026 →Marion-Franklin BranchColumbus, OHNew 2025 →Martin Luther King BranchColumbus, OHFirst US library named for Dr. King →Northern Lights BranchColumbus, OHRenovated 2016 →Northside BranchColumbus, OH2019 building · University District →Parsons BranchColumbus, OHHistoric 1928 →Shepard BranchColumbus, OHMoody Nolan "dragon scales" →South High BranchColumbus, OHSouth Side →Whetstone BranchColumbus, OHClintonville →

❓ Frequently asked questions

How many public libraries are in Franklin County?

Franklin County's largest system, the Columbus Metropolitan Library, operates a downtown Main Library plus neighborhood branches across the county. This page lists the 15 CML branches we have individually verified; suburban communities such as Worthington, Westerville and Upper Arlington also run their own separate library systems.

Do I have to live in Columbus to get a library card?

No. A Columbus Metropolitan Library card is free to any Ohio resident and unlocks borrowing at every CML location plus digital services like Libby, hoopla, Kanopy and the statewide Ohio Web Library.

What is the main library in Franklin County?

The Main Library in downtown Columbus at 96 S. Grant Avenue is CML's flagship — a 1907 Carnegie building expanded with a 2016 glass addition overlooking Topiary Park, named one of Fodor's most beautiful libraries in the U.S.

Is Columbus Metropolitan Library really one of the best in the country?

Yes. Columbus Metropolitan Library has repeatedly ranked among the top U.S. public library systems, including a five-star Library Journal rating and multiple national #1 rankings for service and usage.

Last verified September 2026 from official library sources. Hours & services can change — confirm on each branch’s page. By Megan Carter, Library Resources Editor · public-libraries.com