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Secret Lives of Buildings: Uncovering Their Secrets
2025-08-23 13:00:00 2025-08-23 16:00:00 America/Indiana/Indianapolis Secret Lives of Buildings: Uncovering Their Secrets Curious about a building's past? Join BCPL and BCHS staff to learn how to research historic buildings, like your home, built before 1950, using local records, maps, and more. Columbus - Red Room

Saturday, August 23
1:00pm - 4:00pm

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Columbus

Red Room

Curious about a building's past? Join BCPL and BCHS staff to learn how to research historic buildings, like your home, built before 1950, using local records, maps, and more.

This series has been made possible through a Historic Preservation Grant from Indiana Landmarks, Indiana Humanities, and the National Endowment for the Humanities.

AGE GROUP: | Adults |

EVENT TYPE: | Archives |

Columbus
Phone: 812-379-1255
Hours
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Columbus

Mon, Jul 20 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Tue, Jul 21 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Wed, Jul 22 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Thu, Jul 23 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Fri, Jul 24 9:00AM to 6:00PM
Sat, Jul 25 9:00AM to 6:00PM
Sun, Jul 26 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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Storytime at Eastside! - For picture book fans of all ages!
Fri, Jul 24, 9:00am - 9:30am
Eastside
Join library staff at Eastside for stories, songs, and rhymes!
Music is Magic! - Ages 2-5
Fri, Jul 24, 9:15am - 10:00am
Columbus - Red 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, Jul 24, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Columbus - Library Patio
Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation meal site location, free to children 0 to 18 years of age.
Teen Outdoor Games
Fri, Jul 24, 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Columbus - Teen Room
Step outside and on the library patio for some fresh air. We're taking library fun outdoors with some of our outdoor games.
Last Day of Summer Reading!
Sat, Jul 25, All day
Columbus
The last day to log reading or activities for Summer Reading is Saturday, July 25!
Dungeons & Dragons
Sat, Jul 25, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Columbus - 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.
Mondays at Mill Race Storytime - and BCPL Express!
Mon, Jul 27, 10:00am - 10:30am
Mill Race Park - Amphitheater by 5th Street Entrance
Stories, songs, rhymes, and books to keep at Mill Race Park!
Flow Yoga
Mon, Jul 27, 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.
Family Storytime - Ages 1-5
Mon, Jul 27, 6:00pm - 6:30pm
Columbus - Children's Programming Room
Join us at the library for Family Storytime!
Adults Reading YA Book Club: Reading Roadtrip
Mon, Jul 27, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Camila's
It's the end of this summer's Reading Roadtrip, and to celebrate we're reading teen roadtrip novels! Read any teen fiction book where the characters go on a road trip.
Toddler Time - Ages 1-3
Tue, Jul 28, 9:15am - 10:00am
Columbus - Red Room
Join us at the library for Toddler Time!
Toddler Time - Ages 1-3
Tue, Jul 28, 10:00am - 10:30am
Columbus - Red Room
Join us at the library for Toddler Time!
Preschool Storytime - Ages 3-5
Tue, Jul 28, 11:00am - 11:30am
Columbus - Red Room
Join us at the library for Storytime!
Chair Yoga
Tue, Jul 28, 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.
The Power of Connection: An Online Author Talk - Creating Lasting FriendshipsWith Dr. Marisa Franco
Tue, Jul 28, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Online - Online
Join us in a virtual conversation with bestselling author Dr. Marisa Franco, one of the world?s leading experts in human connection. Register
Legal Aid Clinic
Tue, Jul 28, 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
Tue, Jul 28, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Columbus - Conference Room
Book Club
Library Babies - For infants from birth to 18 months
Thu, Jul 30, 10:00am - 10:30am
Columbus - Red Room
July 30th Library Babies will be a Baby Playdate without a structured storytime. Meet new friends and enjoy some quiet playtime!
Library Babies - For infants from birth to 18 months
Thu, Jul 30, 10:35am - 11:00am
Columbus - Red Room
July 30th Library Babies will be a Baby Playdate without a structured storytime. Meet new friends and enjoy some quiet playtime!
Library Babies - For infants from birth to 18 months
Thu, Jul 30, 11:05am - 11:30am
Columbus - Red Room
July 30th Library Babies will be a Baby Playdate without a structured storytime. Meet new friends and enjoy some quiet playtime!
Henry Moore's Birthday Party! - For art lovers of all ages!
Thu, Jul 30, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Columbus - Library Plaza
Celebrate the birthday of Large Arch Sculptor, Henry Moore, with BCPL! Art lovers of all ages can make their own arch from air dry clay, enjoy birthday cake, and add to our community art piece.
3D Printing 101
Thu, Jul 30, 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!
America's Mixtape: Banister Blue Grass - A Reading Roadtrip Summer Concert Series
Fri, Jul 31, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Columbus - Library Plaza
Banister Blue Grass brings a mix of bluegrass and Americana to the Plaza for a summer evening of live music. Show up, settle in, and have a great evening with neighbors and friends.
Flow Yoga
Mon, Aug 03, 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.
Chair Yoga
Tue, Aug 04, 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.
The Legacy of Julia Child's Kitchen: An Online Author Talk - with Smithsonian Curator Paula J. Johnson
Tue, Aug 04, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Online - Online
Join us for a conversation that?s sure to warm your heart as we delve into the legacy of cooking icon Julia Child with Smithsonian curator and public historian Paula J. Johnson.Register
Skill Builders:
Wed, Aug 05, 1:00pm - 1:45pm
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}.
Skill Builders:
Wed, Aug 05, 2:00pm - 2:45pm
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 First Day of School Ice Cream Celebration!
Wed, Aug 05, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Columbus - Teen Room
Celebrate the first day of school with an ice cream party! While supplies last.
Building a Trail from the Ground up - Presented by Sierra club Winding Waters Group
Wed, Aug 05, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Columbus - Red Room
 Sarah Akemon shares how she planned and built a new trail at Yellow Birch Ravine?from concept to construction?balancing habitat protection with visitor access.
Bartholomew County Writer's Group
Wed, Aug 05, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Columbus - Conference Room
Make connections, learn, and share with other area authors.
Library Babies - For infants from birth to 18 months
Thu, Aug 06, 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, Aug 06, 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, Aug 06, 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, Aug 06, 11:05am - 11:30am
Columbus - Red Room
This relaxed program is a baby-friendly introduction to storytime.
Teen Zine Workshop
Thu, Aug 06, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Columbus - Teen Room
Learn to make a small zine, which you can add to the library's collection or take home. Set intentions for the school year, write a story, or simply collage. All supplies provided.
Thursday Film Club - Breakfast club (1985)
Thu, Aug 06, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Columbus - Red Room
Five high school students with totally different lives spend a Saturday in detention and discover they have more in common than they ever imagined. A smart, funny, and heartfelt coming?of?age classic.
Teen Crochet Camp: Hangout
Fri, Aug 07, 3:30pm - 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.
America's Mixtape: Catedral Nortena - A Reading Roadtrip Summer Concert
Fri, Aug 07, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Columbus - Library Plaza
Catedral Nortena brings Mexican regional music to the Plaza for a summer evening of live music. Show up, settle in, and have a great evening with neighbors and friends.
Flow Yoga
Mon, Aug 10, 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 Coloring Party
Mon, Aug 10, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Columbus - Teen Room
Unwind from school by joining us for a relaxing coloring party. A wide variety of coloring pages will be available, as well as plenty of markers, colored pencils, gel pens, and Sharpies.
Tween Stitch Camp - Grades 4-6
Mon, Aug 10, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Columbus - 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!
Family Storytime - Ages 1-5
Mon, Aug 10, 6:00pm - 6:30pm
Columbus - Children's Programming Room
Join us at the library for Family Storytime!
Photography 101
Mon, Aug 10, 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, Aug 11, 9:15am - 9:45am
Columbus - Red Room
Join us at the library for Toddler Time!
Toddler Time - Ages 1-3
Tue, Aug 11, 10:00am - 10:30am
Columbus - Red Room
Join us at the library for Toddler Time!
Cuentos y Cantos - Bilingual Storytime in Spanish and English
Tue, Aug 11, 11:00am - 11:30am
Columbus - 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, Aug 11, 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 Drop-in
Tue, Aug 11, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Hope - Hope Branch Library
Join us for a Teen Hangout! There will be a possibility of games, crafts, and definitely fun!
Low Energy, Motivation & Hormone Issues: Low T and PCOS - With Dr. Trevor Miller
Tue, Aug 11, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Columbus - Red Room
Low energy, low motivation, and stubborn fatigue may signal hormone imbalance. Learn how low testosterone and PCOS affect mood/metabolism?and simple lifestyle steps to feel like you again.
Hope Family Crafternoon
Wed, Aug 12, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Hope - Hope Library (Annex)
Bring the family for Hope Family Crafternoon! This month, we will create colorful Shrinky Dinks. All ages and abilities welcome!
Teen Drop-in
Wed, Aug 12, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Eastside - Community Room
Join us for a Teen Hangout! There will be a possibility of games, crafts, and definitely fun!
Teen Film Series: Back to School
Wed, Aug 12, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Columbus - Teen Room
12 - High School Musical 19 - High School Musical 2 26 - High School Musical 3
Drama Club
Wed, Aug 12, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Columbus - Children's Programming Room
Children in grades 1-6 are invited to join us for Drama Club! This monthly program will explore fun theater and stage activities.
Registration opens Saturday, August 1 2026 at 9:00am
Library Babies - For infants from birth to 18 months
Thu, Aug 13, 10:00am - 10:30am
Columbus - Red Room
This relaxed program is a baby-friendly introduction to storytime.
Library Babies - For infants from birth to 18 months
Thu, Aug 13, 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, Aug 13, 11:05am - 11:30am
Columbus - Red Room
This relaxed program is a baby-friendly introduction to storytime.
Tween Game Time
Thu, Aug 13, 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.
Teen Game Day
Thu, Aug 13, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Columbus - 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.
Hooks and Needles
Sat, Aug 15, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Columbus - Teen Room
The Hooks and Needles program is for all types of needle crafters to gather, create, and socialize.
Flow Yoga
Mon, Aug 17, 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.
American Red Cross Blood Drive
Mon, Aug 17, 2:00pm - 6:00pm
Columbus - Library Plaza
Give Blood, Save a Life! The bloodmobile will be on the Plaza; please register for an appointment. Register
Library Board of Trustees
Mon, Aug 17, 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!
Family Storytime - Ages 1-5
Mon, Aug 17, 6:00pm - 6:30pm
Columbus - Children's Programming Room
Join us at the library for Family Storytime!
Adult Game Night
Mon, Aug 17, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Columbus
Great for veteran gamers and new friends, choose from the library?s selection of games, and / or bring your own. We might even do trivia? Meet in the family side of Columbus Bar, 322 4th Street.
Columbus Viewfinders
Mon, Aug 17, 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.
Toddler Time - Ages 1-3
Tue, Aug 18, 9:15am - 9:45am
Columbus - Red Room
Join us at the library for Toddler Time!
Toddler Time - Ages 1-3
Tue, Aug 18, 10:00am - 10:30am
Columbus - Red Room
Join us at the library for Toddler Time!
Preschool Storytime - Ages 3-5
Tue, Aug 18, 11:00am - 11:30am
Columbus - Red Room
Join us at the library for Storytime!
Chair Yoga
Tue, Aug 18, 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 STEAM: 3D Pens
Tue, Aug 18, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Columbus - Teen Room
Learn to use our 3D pens to make works of art.
Tween STEM Time
Tue, Aug 18, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Columbus - Conference Room
Do you love robotics, coding, building, and just science in general? Join your friends for an hour of fun including Hack Pack, Coding, Robot Fights and More!
Registration opens Saturday, August 1 2026 at 9:00am
Adult Craft Night: Ocean Resin Art
Tue, Aug 18, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Columbus - Conference Room
Make ocean resin art with layered blues and foamy waves, sand, shells, and glass for a beachy canvas to take home.
Hooks and Needles
Wed, Aug 19, 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.
Teen Film Series: Back to School
Wed, Aug 19, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Columbus - Teen Room
12 - High School Musical 19 - High School Musical 2 26 - High School Musical 3
Adult Storytime
Wed, Aug 19, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Hope - Hope Branch Library
Adult Story Time: a calm, welcoming hour of reading aloud and shared listening.
Inner Shelf Book Club - The Blue Line Letters by Steven Christiansen
Wed, Aug 19, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Columbus - Conference Room
On August 19th, the Inner Shelf Book Club will be meeting at 6:30 in the Conference Room to discuss The Blue Line Letters by Steven Christiansen.
Library Babies - For infants from birth to 18 months
Thu, Aug 20, 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, Aug 20, 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, Aug 20, 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, Aug 20, 11:05am - 11:30am
Columbus - Red Room
This relaxed program is a baby-friendly introduction to storytime.
Teen Dungeons and Dragons
Thu, Aug 20, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Columbus - 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.
Tween Game Time
Thu, Aug 20, 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.
Teen Game Day
Thu, Aug 20, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Columbus - 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.
Podcast Production 101
Thu, Aug 20, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Columbus - Meeting Room 4
So, you have an idea for a podcast but don't know where to start with production? Go over hardware and software options, audio recording and editing basics, and find a website to host your podcast. 
Teen Crochet Camp: Amigurumi
Fri, Aug 21, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Columbus - Teen Room
Teens who already know the basics of crochet are invited to come and make a surprise amigurumi. Pattern and supplies provided.
America's Mixtape: Guben Guthrie & Albert Nolting - A Reading Roadtrip Summer Concert
Fri, Aug 21, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Columbus - Library Plaza
Ruben Guthrie & Albert Nolting bring a blend of rock, folk, and Americana to the Plaza for a summer evening of live music. Show up, settle in, and have a great evening with neighbors and friends.
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