Skip to main content
close
font 1 font 2 font 3
Reset to standard size
Font size options
Increase or decrease the font size for this website by clicking on the 'A's.
Yellow on Black White on Black Soft Greys Black on Linen Black on White
Reset to default contrast
Contrast options
Choose a color combination to give the most comfortable contrast.

Columbus

Today's hours

We're open 9:00AM to 6:00PM

Mon, Sep 25 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Tue, Sep 26 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Wed, Sep 27 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Thu, Sep 28 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Fri, Sep 29 9:00AM to 6:00PM
Sat, Sep 30 9:00AM to 6:00PM
Sun, Oct 01 Closed
previous
this week
next
Mon, Sep 25 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Tue, Sep 26 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Wed, Sep 27 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Thu, Sep 28 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Fri, Sep 29 9:00AM to 6:00PM
Sat, Sep 30 9:00AM to 6:00PM
Sun, Oct 01 Closed
previous
this week
next
Address
536 Fifth St.
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.  

Reminder: Zoom links are emailed
Author Visit and Book Signing: Soman Chainani - Author of The School for Good and Evil
Fri, Sep 29, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Library Plaza
Meet Soman Chainani, a NYT bestselling author of The School for Good and Evil series (recently adapted into a Netflix movie). He will speak on the plaza, followed by a meet and greet / book signing.
Next Generation Day
Sat, Sep 30, 12:00pm - 4:00pm
Library Plaza
Next Generation Day is a family-friendly event that activates the 2023 Public by Design Exhibition installations.
Columbus Pride 2023
Sat, Sep 30, 1:00pm - 6:00pm
Non-Library Location (See description)
Visit the BCPL booth at Columbus Pride to check out books, win prizes, find library information, and meet Soman Chainani, author of the New York Times bestselling series, The School for Good and Evil.
Blackwell Park Storywalk - Creepy Carrots by Aaron Reynolds!
Mon, Oct 02, All day
People Trail
Enjoy some fresh air and our StoryWalk®!
Senior Project with Farrah Fox: Spooky Halloween Art
Mon, Oct 02, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Teen Area
To support Farrah Fox's senior project, come hang out in the teen section and create some spooky Halloween arts and crafts! 2nd: Drawing and coloring 16th: DIY hanging garlands
Freedom to Read-In
Mon, Oct 02, 4:00pm - 7:00pm
Library Plaza
Celebrate Banned Books Week and your freedom to read with BCPL librarians on the plaza. Bring your own book, check one out from the library, or choose from a variety of oft-challenged books on display
Family Storytime at the Read-in! - Ages 1-5
Mon, Oct 02, 6:00pm - 6:30pm
Library Plaza Tents
Children ages 1 to 5 years and their families are invited to join us for Family Storytime at the Read-In!
Toddler Time - Ages 1-3
Tue, Oct 03, 9:15am - 9:45am
Red Room
Join us at the library for Toddler Time!
Toddler Time - Ages 1-3
Tue, Oct 03, 10:00am - 10:30am
Red Room
Join us at the library for Toddler Time!
Preschool Storytime - Ages 3-5
Tue, Oct 03, 11:00am - 11:30am
Red Room
Join us at the library for Storytime!
Chair Yoga
Tue, Oct 03, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Main Level Meeting 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: Exhibit Columbus Tours
Tue, Oct 03, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Teen Area,Non-Library Location (See description)
Explore this year?s exhibitions with Tour Guide Dakota! Meet at the Teen Area or at the first listed exhibit for each date. See long description for each date's locations.
Dipped Marblized Mugs - Adult Craft Night
Tue, Oct 03, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Library Plaza
Join Shelly on the Plaza to make a lovely Marbleized mug. All supplies provided. Please register.
This event is full
Making the most of the Republic Online
Tue, Oct 03, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Red Room
Join David Hyde of The Republic as he guides us through The Republic Online.
Whatever the Weather Storytime and Playdate - at Donner Park!
Wed, Oct 04, 11:00am - 11:30am
Playground Shelter
Join Library Staff at Donner Park for a storytime and playdate that will occur Whatever the Weather!
Skill Builders: Halloween Craft
Wed, Oct 04, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Main Level Meeting Room
Have fun crafting while we socialize. This month, we will be making a Halloween-themed Craft.
Teen Watch-It Wednesday
Wed, Oct 04, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Teen Area
All Spooky, All Month!!! October 4: ?Them? October 18: Return to Oz October 25: Vertigo
Library Closed Today
Thu, Oct 05, All day
All library locations closed today for staff in-service day. Visit us 24/7 at mybcpl.org
Teen Coloring Party
Fri, Oct 06, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Teen Area
Come and relax with us as we color spooky-themed coloring sheets. All supplies provided.
Sing and Play with Allie Jean! - Ages 2-8
Fri, Oct 06, 4:00pm - 4:30pm
Children's Programming Room
Little ones are invited to Sing & Play with Allie Jean!
Bluey Storytime! - For real life!
Sat, Oct 07, 11:00am - 11:30am
Red Room
A Bluey storytime?! For real life?? Hooray!! Join library staff to celebrate all things Bluey at this special family Storytime!
The Disassemblers
Sat, Oct 07, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Lower Level Reception Area
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!
Teen Pizza Party Society
Sat, Oct 07, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Main Level Meeting Room
Come eat pizza from a location with Drew. Will the pizza be haunted? Maybe. It?s October. Will the pizza be shaped like a jack-o-lantern? Yes, if you consider circles to be jack-o-lantern shaped.
Spooky Adult Game Night
Mon, Oct 09, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Non-Library Location (See description)
Dakota will bring a selection of games for attendees to choose from. Bringing your own game is encouraged. We will meet at Columbus Bar, located at 322 4th St, Columbus, IN 47201.
Chair Yoga
Tue, Oct 10, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Main Level Meeting 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: Exhibit Columbus Tours
Tue, Oct 10, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Teen Area,Non-Library Location (See description)
Explore this year?s exhibitions with Tour Guide Dakota! Meet at the Teen Area or at the first listed exhibit for each date. See long description for each date's locations.
European Travel Tips and Tools with Author Rick Steves - BCPL online Author Talk
Tue, Oct 10, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Join guidebook author and TV host Rick Steves in an online presentation as?he shares?the latest in smart European travelRegister
Adult Craft Night: Rope Ribbed Glass Pumpkin
Tue, Oct 10, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Lower Level Reception Area
Make a beautiful and fun craft. All supplies are provided; registration is required. This month, we will be making a rope-ribbed glass pumpkin.
Teen Animated Horror Movie Marathon
Wed, Oct 11, 11:00am - 7:00pm
Teen Area
Spend the day watching Halloween-themed animated movies. Spooky snacks and drinks provided. See the lineup below. Start times are approximate.
Builders' Guild - Spooky!
Wed, Oct 11, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Red Room
Join library staff and fellow builders to create, share, and have fun!
Nature at Night Hike at Touch the Earth Natural Area
Wed, Oct 11, 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Non-Library Location (See description)
Experience nature at night with Sycamore Land Trust and BCPL at Touch the Earth Natural Area. During the hike, we will use all our senses to explore the nocturnal happenings at the preserve.
Nature Explorers Club - Ages 3-5
Thu, Oct 12, 10:30am - 11:15am
Join a Nature Explorer's Club educator to experience and appreciate nature with your child!
Teen Fall Break Smash Bros: Ultimate Tournament
Thu, Oct 12, 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Main Level Meeting Room
Be the ultimate bro! Items on, random stage, winner takes all (of the fabulous prize).
Tween Game Time
Thu, Oct 12, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
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.
Family Storytime - Eclipse!
Fri, Oct 13, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Main Level Meeting Room
Children and their families are invited to join us for Family Storytime about this weekend's eclipse! This program features fun stories, songs, rhymes, and movement while building literacy skills.
Annular Eclipse Party
Sat, Oct 14, 11:30am - 2:00pm
Library Plaza
Watch the annular eclipse from the library plaza, as the moon casts a partial shadow over the sun. Enjoy multiple crafting stations and learn to use a sunspotter.
Senior Project with Farrah Fox: Spooky Halloween Art
Mon, Oct 16, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Teen Area
To support Farrah Fox's senior project, come hang out in the teen section and create some spooky Halloween arts and crafts! 2nd: Drawing and coloring 16th: DIY hanging garlands
BCPL Library Board of Trustees
Mon, Oct 16, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Main Level Meeting Room
Monthly meeting of the Bartholomew County Public Library Board. Open to all.
Pokemon Club - Ages 5-12
Mon, Oct 16, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Red Room
Card collectors, trainers, gamers, and fans are all welcome to join as we learn and talk about all things Pokemon!
Tour of City Cemetery at Donner Park
Mon, Oct 16, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
City Cemetery
You are invited to the Second Annual BCPL Guided Cemetery Tour in honor of National Family History Month!
Toddler Time - Ages 1-3
Tue, Oct 17, 9:15am - 9:45am
Red Room
Join us at the library for Toddler Time!
Toddler Time - Ages 1-3
Tue, Oct 17, 10:00am - 10:30am
Red Room
Join us at the library for Toddler Time!
Homeschool Hangout
Tue, Oct 17, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Lower Level Reception Area
Hey homeschoolers! Come hang out at the library, make some friends and learn something new! This month join us for all things shivery and spooky!
Preschool Storytime - Ages 3-5
Tue, Oct 17, 11:00am - 11:30am
Red Room
Join us at the library for Storytime!
Chair Yoga
Tue, Oct 17, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Main Level Meeting 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: Exhibit Columbus Tours
Tue, Oct 17, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Teen Area,Non-Library Location (See description)
Explore this year?s exhibitions with Tour Guide Dakota! Meet at the Teen Area or at the first listed exhibit for each date. See long description for each date's locations.
Family Movie Night - Haunted Mansion (2023)
Tue, Oct 17, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Red Room
It's spooky season! Bring the whole family to watch Haunted Mansion (2023, PG-13) LEGOS out, Lights up!
True Crime Trivia Night
Tue, Oct 17, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Test your trivia skills at our true crime trivia night with Swine and Dine.  Enjoy a night of questions, prizes, and fun.  21 and over event
Preschool STEAM - Pumpkin Engineering and Science
Wed, Oct 18, 11:00am - 11:30am
Library Patio
STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) for Preschoolers!
Master of Suspense: An Author Talk with Ruth Ware - Online Author Talk
Wed, Oct 18, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
You?re invited to tune in as we chat with New York Times bestselling author of The Woman in Cabin 10 and The It Girl as she talks about her newest book, Zero Days. Register
Teen Watch-It Wednesday
Wed, Oct 18, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Teen Area
All Spooky, All Month!!! October 4: ?Them? October 18: Return to Oz October 25: Vertigo
Teen Mental Health First Aid
Wed, Oct 18, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Red Room
Teen Mental Health First Aid teaches how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges in themselves, their friends, and peers.
Library Babies - For infants from birth to 18 months
Thu, Oct 19, 10:00am - 10:25am
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, Oct 19, 10:30am - 11:00am
Red Room
This relaxed program is a baby-friendly introduction to storytime.
Teen Dungeons and Dragons
Thu, Oct 19, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Main Level Meeting Room
The prison heist continues! Create a level 5, fifth edition character prior to the game or use a pre-created character. This game is beginner-friendly and new players are welcome. Materials provided.
Teen Thursgame
Thu, Oct 19, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Teen Area
Every Thursday after school, play games including Dungeon Party, Unstable Unicorns, Wizard Kittens, Disney Sorcerer?s Arena, Here to Slay, and more!
Tween Game Time
Thu, Oct 19, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
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.
Family Storytime - Ages 1-5
Thu, Oct 19, 3:30pm - 4:00pm
Red Room
Children ages 1 to 5 years and their families are invited to join us for Family Storytime! This program features fun stories, songs, rhymes, and movement while building early literacy skills.
Sing and Play with Allie Jean - Ages 2-5
Fri, Oct 20, 10:00am - 10:30am
Children's Programming Room
Little ones are invited to Sing & Play with Allie Jean!
Music with Valerie
Fri, Oct 20, 10:30am - 11:30am
Join music therapist Valerie Jones as she guides the group in well-known songs with movement and participation.
Teen Anime Club
Fri, Oct 20, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Main Level Meeting Room
Discuss your favorite anime and manga with others. We will select an anime to watch together after a short group discussion. Snacks and drinks provided.
Tween Stitch Camp - Grades 4-6
Fri, Oct 20, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Tween Area
Tweens can join library staff to learn and practice the basics of both crocheting and knitting. Beginners welcome, no experience needed! Materials will be provided, but feel free to bring your own!
The Jokers on the Plaza - BCPL Concert Series
Fri, Oct 20, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Join us on the Library Plaza for a concert by The Jokers. Bring your own chairs. This event can also be viewed live at facebook.com/mybcpl.
Hooks and Needles Meetup
Sat, Oct 21, 11:00am - 1:00pm
The Hooks and Needles program is for all types of needle crafters to gather, create, and socialize.
Seed Swap
Sat, Oct 21, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Main Level Meeting Room
Get to know your fellow local gardeners and bring your excess seeds from your harvest to swap with others and with the library?s Cleo?s Seed Share. All are welcome.
Kids' Kitchen - Grades K-3
Sat, Oct 21, 2:00pm - 2:45pm
Lower Level Reception Area
Do you enjoy cooking? Join us for an in-person session of Kids' Kitchen!
Teen Advisory Board (TAB)
Mon, Oct 23, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Main Level Meeting Room
Join other local teens and meet with Christina to discuss winter program ideas.
Adults Reading YA Book Club: Mystery or Horror
Mon, Oct 23, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Non-Library Location (See description)
It?s spooky season so pick any teen mystery or horror book to read for this month?s book club. We?ll meet at Camila?s; appetizers courtesy of the Friends of Bartholomew County Public Library.
Tour of Hope Moravian Cemetery
Mon, Oct 23, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
202 Main St, Hope
You are invited to the Second annual BCPL Guided Tour of local Cemeteries in honor of National Family History Month!
Toddler Time - Ages 1-3
Tue, Oct 24, 9:15am - 9:45am
Red Room
Join us at the library for Toddler Time!
Toddler Time - Ages 1-3
Tue, Oct 24, 10:00am - 10:30am
Red Room
Join us at the library for Toddler Time!
Cuentos y Cantos - Bilingual Storytime in Spanish and English
Tue, Oct 24, 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, Oct 24, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Main Level Meeting 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, Oct 24, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Main Level Meeting Room
3pm - 4pm General Civil Advice Clinic 4pm - 5pm Eviction Legal Advice
Teen STEAM: Exhibit Columbus Tours
Tue, Oct 24, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Teen Area,Non-Library Location (See description)
Explore this year?s exhibitions with Tour Guide Dakota! Meet at the Teen Area or at the first listed exhibit for each date. See long description for each date's locations.
All Book'd Book Club
Tue, Oct 24, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Main Level Meeting Room,Zoom 2
Join library staff members Shelly and Maria for a book discussion. This month we will discuss Cackle by Rachel Harrison.
Let?s talk about: Free speech and conflict
Tue, Oct 24, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Red Room,Zoom 1
Join Dr. Pamela Morris (IU Columbus) & Carole Nowicke (University Library) in a community discussion of free speech, hate speech, and conflict.
See all events