I’ll admit it… I wasn’t much of a reader. Like, at all. The last book I finished prior to last year was To Kill a Mockingbird… in high school. That was over ten years ago. (Yikes.)
But last year I picked up The Hellfire Club by Jake Tapper and actually finished it. This year, I read The Lords of Discipline by Pat Conroy — and I swear, that man doesn’t just write books, he paints movies with words. The way he can pull you into a scene and make you feel every sound, smell, and shadow… it’s wild.
Now I’m reading Red Rising by Pierce Brown and loving it, which made me realize something: I’ve been sleeping on one of Columbus’ greatest treasures — our library system — and there’s a good chance you’re doing the same.
Wake Up. Libraries are Cool as Heck
The Columbus Metropolitan Library isn’t just a building full of books. It’s basically a community superhero disguised as a library. Every single month, they host thousands of events across their many branches — chess clubs, toddler storytimes, after-school snacks for kids provided by the Children’s Hunger Alliance, creative writing workshops, computer classes, you name it.
It’s not just about reading, it’s about connecting.
And if you’re a bookworm (or a recovering non-reader like me), the library’s Authors at the Library series is your golden ticket. They bring in world-renowned authors to talk, answer questions, and sign books, all for free. Here are a few of the upcoming events you should absolutely mark on your calendar:
Marissa Meyer & Alix E. Harrow In Conversation
📅 Monday, November 3 | 6 PM
📍 Main Library | 96 S. Grant Ave.
Marissa Meyer (author of The Lunar Chronicles and Renegades Trilogy) and Alix E. Harrow (The Ten Thousand Doors of January) will team up for a conversation about their newest novels. Expect fantasy, murder mystery, and a Q&A that’s sure to get deep into the creative process. Seating starts at 5:30 p.m., and books will be available from The Book Loft.
RSVP and more info here.
Karen White
📅 Tuesday, November 11 | 2 PM
📍 Dublin Branch | 75 N. High St.
Karen White, bestselling author of the Tradd Street and Royal Street series, will discuss her latest novel The Lady on Esplanade. Fans can bring books from home or buy new ones on-site from Gramercy Books. (Free parking, because the library always comes through.)
RSVP and more info here.
Derrick Barnes
📅 Saturday, November 15 | 10:30 AM
📍 Hilliard Branch | 4500 Hickory Chase Way
Derrick Barnes, author of Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut and I Am Every Good Thing, is stopping by for a book giveaway, talk, and signing. The event is free, and Battelle is even providing complimentary books for families while supplies last.
RSVP and more info here.
Karen McManus (Virtual Event)
📅 Friday, December 5 | 10 AM
💻 Online Only
Young adult fans, this one’s for you. Karen M. McManus (One of Us Is Lying) will join virtually to discuss her latest thriller Such Charming Liars. You can register with your email to get the event link once it’s released.
RSVP and more info here.
Jan Brett
📅 Saturday, December 6 | 10 AM
📍 Main Library Reading Room | 96 S. Grant Ave.
Jan Brett, the legendary children’s author and illustrator behind The Mitten and The Hat, will host a drawing demonstration, signing, and meet & greet. There’ll even be free copies of The Christmas Sweater (while supplies last), plus a chance to take a photo with Hedgie the Hedgehog himself.
RSVP and more info here.
More Than a Library… It’s Columbus’ Creative Heartbeat
Whether you’re discovering your next favorite author, teaching your kid to love storytime, or just need a quiet place to work and recharge, the Columbus Metropolitan Library really is Central Ohio’s hidden gem. It’s not just about checking out books — it’s about checking into your community.
And as someone who only recently rediscovered the joy of reading, I can say this with full confidence: the best stories aren’t just in the books. They’re in the people, the events, and the connections happening at your local library every single day.
👉 Explore upcoming library events here
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