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As the library celebrates its 125th Anniversary, we've begun to evaluate how library services will continue to grow and serve our ever-changing community. In 2023, we completed our Strategic Plan that identified the need for more space throughout the county. With this in mind, the library is looking to establish more branches that will expand our ability to provide resources, services, and more to our community. 

Expanding in the Community

Frequently Asked Questions

August 13th Press Release

In response to community questions regarding the removal of the cross from atop the former North Christian Church, the library is sharing additional information regarding its plans to preserve the building and grounds. Earlier this year, a Conservation Management Plan (CMP) written by Prudon & Partners was issued.  This plan was made possible by a grant the Landmark Columbus Foundation received through the Getty Institute’s Keeping It Modern program. It can be found at https://www.getty.edu/foundation/initiatives/current/keeping_it_modern/report_library/north_christian_church.html  

The creation of a CMP involves looking at both historic documentation and current site conditions in order to make recommendations for the long-term preservation of the building, including plans for care and use. According to Prudon and Partners, the plan for the property at 850 Tipton Lane "was a little unique in that the transition from church to secular purpose occurred during the planning process. As such. . . consideration was given to how removal of liturgical function and specific features, while retaining significant architectural elements, would affect the physical fabric [of the property]."

         The plan produced information regarding each specific area and item within the building and its landscape, and created three zones of significance. 

Zone 1 is identified as high significance and preservation is required.  In this zone, “it is expected that every effort be made to preserve, conserve and maintain all aspects of the building, its design and materiality. This includes not only retaining the shape and configuration of the various spaces but also their materials and finishes.”  Zone 1 encompasses almost the entire main level and sanctuary. The library has no plans to make significant changes to this area. The baptistry, the organ, and the pews in the sanctuary will remain in their current state. The silver cross on the baptistry wall will be removed and relocated within the building; it will become part of a permanent exhibit on the history of the building and its legacy.

The interiors of many of the rooms on the main level are designated as Zone 2 areas, which are of medium historical and architectural significance. The plan states that "updates or changes may be required to accommodate a different user. Minor changes. . . may be permitted." The library intends to use these rooms as meeting rooms and offices.

Finally, areas designated as Zone 3 - including the entire lower level of the building - are considered to be of minimal significance, with little to no need for historic preservation. According to the plan, "it is here that alterations can be made to improve the functionality [of the building] without affecting the significance." The library anticipates making many changes in this area. The library hopes to redesign the space in a way that  reflects its desired use as a community space, serving the students and families who frequent the area.

Many members of the community have expressed concern that the removal of the cross atop the spire of the building would impact its historic and architectural significance. According to the CMP, the exterior of the building is indeed considered to be part of Zone 1, where "no substantial changes are to be considered." However, citing the donation agreement made with the former congregation, the document states that "the removal of the cross on top of the spire" is an "exception." The congregation decided before their closing that the cross would be donated to Camp Bedford.

It is also worth noting that the baptistry - called the chapel in the CMP - is described as having an "architectural presence that is significant in the design of the church. Therefore, it deserves to be maintained, recognizing the potential future secular use. . . removal of the cross, and covering the baptistry pool following Saarinen's original platform design would create a suitable event space."

The library has a long history of caring for historically and architecturally significant buildings. The Cleo Rogers Memorial Library in downtown Columbus was designed by I.M. Pei, and the Hope Branch was designed by Deborah Berke - both well-known and respected architects. We are honored to be trusted with yet another significant building, and grateful to the Landmark Columbus Foundation for funding the development of a plan for its preservation. We will do our best to balance the preservation of its architecture while creating functional, welcoming spaces for our community members to come together, to learn, and to belong.

August 9th Press Release

During the week of August 12, the cross will be removed from the top of the former North Christian Church and transferred to a new home at Camp Bedford. This is done in accordance with the former congregation’s wishes, and as specified in the donation agreement. 


Both the library and the Disciples of Christ congregation have prioritized the preservation of the church’s uniquely designed artifacts so that they can continue to inspire communities for generations to come. The former congregation made arrangements for the cross to relocate and share its beauty at Camp Bedford, which is operated by First Christian Church of Bedford, IN. Chuck Blair, the manager of Camp Bedford, said “We are grateful the camp has been chosen as the new home for the cross, and we are excited that the historic cross will be preserved and continue to be appreciated. The cross will be located on a picturesque blufftop overlooking the river along the wooded vespers trail. The cross will serve as a source of inspiration for the many visitors to the camp who seek solitude and introspection along the trail.” More information about Camp Bedford can be found at www.campbedford.com. 


The library is honored to be the steward of such an historic property as 850 Tipton Lane, and acknowledges its significance to our community. All changes to the property and its uses will be reviewed in relation to the library’s 2024-2028 Strategic Plan, and will strive to honor the legacy of the former congregation. For more information, to review frequently asked questions, or to provide ideas for the 850 Tipton Lane property, please visit mybcpl.org/library-expansion. 

Photo Taken by Hadley Fruits, Courtesy of Landmark Columbus Foundation

April 16th Press Release

At their April 15 meeting, the Bartholomew County Public Library Board voted to accept the generous gift from the former North Christian Church congregation, which encompasses the entire campus at 850 Tipton Lane.  Jason Hatton, Library Director says, “We are so very thankful to the members that entrusted the library to be the caretakers of this incredible property.  We are also thankful to the Columbus Capital Foundation that has been the interim owner while we went through our deliberative decision-making process.”  

The library celebrates its 125th anniversary this year and throughout those years, the library system has shown the ability to serve the community and be the caretaker of architecturally and historically significant buildings.  The Cleo Rogers Memorial Library which serves as the main service point was designed by I.M. Pei and opened in 1969.  The Hope Branch, built in 1998, was designed by Deborah Burke.  This proven track record of combining the importance of honoring the past while still providing relevant spaces for the present and future, demonstrates the ability to be a good steward to the building and grounds. 

However, as shown by the recent strategic plan and facilities assessment, the library spaces are at capacity.  Consequently, the number of services and impact within the community are not what they could be.  The opportunity of a gift of this magnitude allows the library the chance to move forward with financial prudence.  While renovation costs will be necessary, the new campus can be created for far less than constructing a new building. 

Since the library is supported mainly by property and income taxes, the Library Board is cognizant of the concern as to what this will cost the taxpayers of the county.  Hatton says, “We understand how important every dollar is. The library works very hard to be fiscally responsible with the money entrusted to us.  This project will be no different.”  By law, the library’s operating budget can only be increased by a small percentage each year.  Thus, the operation of the property will be absorbed into its regular, annual budget with no additional taxes.  Private fundraising and grant support, though, will be key to any future renovations.  Hatton does state, “It is possible the library will need to issue a bond for capital projects, but there will be many opportunities for discussion if that were to happen.”

The mission of BCPL is to be the community crossroads- connecting people, ideas, information, and experiences to empower everyone on their journey of lifelong learning. This is accomplished by a vision to create a place where all people feel safe, welcomed, and included; a place where all are empowered and supported; a place where spark and joy is inspired; and a place where all are flourishing.  The main focus of the library’s 2024-2028 strategic plan is to create community connections.  The acquisition of this property will allow the library to bring together many organizations and individuals for the good of all, especially as it relates to the 4,000 students within walking distance.   

The library recognizes the design significance of this National Historic Landmark.  The great talents of Eero Saarinen, Dan Kiley, and Alexander Girad are combined into a one-of-a-kind structure and campus.  It is iconic not only for modern architecture, but for the city itself.  The library will be respectful as to future changes made to minimize the disruption of the original design while creating a space that is energetic, fun, and welcoming.  The library will also work with the former congregation and cultural communities to transition items that may need to be rehomed. 

While the library will be taking ownership of the property, this acquisition simply represents the first step in a very long journey.  Hatton says, “I anticipate that it will be at least 2029 before the building will be fully operational.  There is much work to be done with community partners, architects, and designers.  It may be in the library’s name, but it belongs to the community, and we will work to make sure every voice is heard.”  The library does expect that the grounds will be used for outdoor programming, including for Summer Reading, in the near term.  This fall it is possible, the former sanctuary will begin being used for a small number of programs and performances. 

Hatton says, “It is the library’s honor to carry on the values and architectural legacy that this property represents.  May it ever serve as a beacon in the search for knowledge and connection.”