COLUMBUS – The Hilliard branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library – its newest and largest – opens Thursday afternoon with a dedication ceremony and grand opening celebration.
Hilliard Branch Dedication and Grand Opening Celebration
4500 Hickory Chase Way, 3:30-6 p.m.
For about 2 ½ hours after wards, the public can enjoy refreshments, music and entertainment and explore the branch on their own or as part of a staff-guided tour.
Visitors can also sign up for a commemorative library card and register for a chance to win an eReader.
The current Hilliard Branch, 4772 Cemetery Road, closed June 6 but the drive-up book return remained open.
The new 63,000-square-foot facility is approximately triple the size of the one that closed and features more space for children to read, study and use computers, including a “Ready for Kindergarten” area where preschoolers and their families can prepare for kindergarten, and tween and teen areas with computers, study space and comfortable seating. At a larger Homework Help Center, students can get free after-school help.
Kerr’s Café, operated by the Public Perk, offers coffee, donuts, snacks and lunch items.
The branch is located in what was originally intended to be the 2-story community center of the 86-acre Hickory Chase development, initially slated to be a residential community for seniors, which fell into foreclosure in 2009 and remained unfinished along Davidson Road between Leap Road and Britton Parkway.