Welcome to the Columbus Metropolitan Library

At CML, our mission is "to promote reading and guide learning in the pursuit of information, knowledge, and wisdom."

Your Library is one of the most-used library systems in the country. In 2004, CML received a national ranking of #4 in its class. The ranking is based on such categories as circulation of materials, customer visits per hour and number of volumes owned per capita. Last year, customers borrowed more than 16 million items, made 8.2 million visits to the Library and asked 1.2 million reference questions.

CML includes the Main Library, Outreach Services Division and 20 branches conveniently located throughout Franklin county. CML also jointly operates the Northwest Library in cooperation with the Worthington Public Library. Southwest Public Libraries and Worthington Public Library also share resources with CML.

The Library has an exciting and diverse collection of more than three million items, including books, magazines, newspapers, audio tapes, video tapes, dvd's, compact discs, interactive multimedia CD-ROMS and sheet music. 

We offer plenty of exciting services for children, including storytimes, special activities and the annual summer reading program. We also have special services for people with physical or visual problems.  The Friends of the Library sponsor a number of author visits and booksales every year as well.