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    The Wagnalls Memorial Library

    4.5 (13 reviews)
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    The Inside
    Steve A.

    The Wagnalls Memorial should be visited by any library fan. It's part library and part museum. This is what a real library should be. It's still functioning and you can check out books. There's also interesting artwork and sculptures. A long time ago this opened as one of the first public libraries in the country. It was operated by the Wagnall of Funk and Wagnalls fame. The inside still looks much the same. It resembles something like Oxford. The walls are made out of beautiful old stones. It also features paintings of the Wagnall family. There's old wooden tables with old metal desk lamps. It's more appealing to me than one of the fancier new libraries with all the light shining in from a glass ceiling. The books are mostly older and you probably won't find shit like 50 Shades of anything here. I would go to the Wagnalls Memorial often if it was closer. It's much what a library should be. This feels like more of a place to actually read.

    The awesome reading room.
    Sara C.

    Such a beautiful library! My coworker and I took a field trip down to Lithopolis to check out this library. It's so funny to be driving down the main street in a typical little Ohio town and suddenly have a castle-like building off to the left. Being unfamiliar with the layout and following the signs that said "library entrance," we actually turned into someone's driveway thinking it led to the back parking lot, but it didn't. The turn to the parking lot is before the library itself, though we didn't see any signs indicating such. It really does feel castle-like walking through the front door and into the vestibule of the library. We were greeted at the front desk and offered some literature about the building. I really loved the main reading room with the high ceilings, elevated stage, stained glass windows, and long tables with banker's lamps. The fiction reading room was also beautiful, though blindingly sunny in the afternoon, and a little cramped by the placement of chairs in little nooks. I do hope that they allow the piano to be played sometimes. The architecture reminded me a little of the California Grand Hotel at Disneyland (and subsequently, of the Ahwahnee and other state park lodges). The nonfiction area had more of a traditional library feel with long rows of stacks, as well as a computer lab area. The selection of new books was small, but included some popular and current titles. The layout with the children's department downstairs is a little like the Bexley library, though I worry a little about the stairs and children running up and down them. There was a large table of Lego-type blocks which I totally would have used if I wasn't concerned about how often they're sanitized. It looked like at one point there were some private study rooms off to one side, though they're being used for storage now. Staff was helpful and willing to share about their experiences once they found out my coworker and I were doing a little reconnaissance on other library collections. I'd definitely come back to bask in the reading room if only it were closer.

    Taken from Wagnalls' website

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    Fairfield County District Library - Northwest Branch - Early Literacy Center

    Fairfield County District Library - Northwest Branch

    (3 reviews)

    This is a nice library location within the Fairfield County District Library system. Though it is…read morenot a large building, they make very good use of space inside. It's cute, clean, and nicely decorated. There are a couple of stacks with books and DVDs, a small computer area, and nice seating. The back portion of the building is an Early Literacy Center for ages 6 and under and their supervising adults. It has a very nice set up with toys, imaginative play items, tables with coloring sheets and crayons, and, of course, books. It's also nice that they offer a sink with a stool available right in this section. The staff is friendly, and there is a parking lot. The outside of the building has a nice looking garden/habitat area, which is probably even nicer during warmer weather. We did, however, get a good eyeful of nature when a hawk grabbed its lunch and settled in to devour it. They are closed Sundays and have limited Saturday hours (10-2).

    The Northwest Library is one of the five locations at the Fairfield County District Library. The…read morebuilding is perfect for kids as it has a large Early Literacy Center perfect for kids. They hold 3 family storytimes every week and monthly programs. While most of their programs are for families they also have a homeschool program. The crown jewel is the Peter Rabbit Story Garden complete with gold fish. Kids just love to go check on the fish at each visit. They are closed on Mondays but they take that day to clean and disinfect toys.

    Columbus Metropolitian Library - Southeast Branch - From CML website.

    Columbus Metropolitian Library - Southeast Branch

    (4 reviews)

    I was looking for a specific book and it wasn't available at my branch. I really didn't want to…read morewait for it to be sent inter-library so I found where it was supposed to be in. This branch was located less than 2 miles from a friend's house where I was going for a party that day. It's right off the freeway and had plenty of parking. Having never been here before, I walked in and looked around. Hand to God, the 2 staffers I encountered working there both looked at me and smiled and said hi. Super nice for a 1st impression. I wandered straight ahead to get a feel for the lay out and was quickly able to find the non-fiction section. As I neared the place in the stacks where my book SHOULD be, I think I was holding my breath - having been unable to find books that were "in" way too many times. But sure enough - the book was right where it was supposed to be. I grabbed it and walked back towards the doors. I figured the check outs would be there - and they were. I love how simple it is to sign out a book at any of the CML locations. I punched in my info, scanned my book and printed the receipt which I use as a bookmark. WHile I don't have reason to get to this part of town, I would gladly return as this was a great library with excellent staff!

    I live in the middle of this library and Reynoldsburg and I WILL ALWAYS go to this one!!! It's so…read morenice and clean and I love it!! They have a great selection of books, but if for some reason they don't have it, it's so simple to reserve the book! They also have a book drop off on the side in case they are closed. They have tutors there after school too if your child needs help.

    Pickerington Public Library

    Pickerington Public Library

    (13 reviews)

    Searching for a book that the Main Columbus library has but couldn't find, we ended up out here…read more Way out here- it is pretty far out, though right near the high school. Plenty of parking. Bigger place than I expected. Large kid's area with activities. Kid K wanted a teen manga, and they have tons of those. They also have "stuff" to check out: backpacks, games, etc. We had to ask for help, and staff were super friendly and helpful. They weren't busy on a summer weekday afternoon. Definitely would be here often if we lived at all close by.

    I am highly disappointed with this library. If I could give zero stars, it would be that! I…read moreattended the library with my cousin we were there 2 hours before getting kicked out due to eating a fruit cup. There is a sign on the door regarding no liquids and eating. However, when we walked into the library, we clearly had things with us, and nobody reiterated the policy. I came to the library the previous day with juice and drank in front of somebody, and was not kicked out then. We witnessed two African American boys being kicked out previously due to playing without a chance to change their behavior! We were not asked to throw away the food we were asked to leave. You all should be ashamed of yourselves because out of all the public libraries I have attended, I have never been kicked out for eating or drinking! I honestly believe that this encounter was a form of prejudice!

    Columbus Metropolitan Library - Gahanna Branch - Inside

    Columbus Metropolitan Library - Gahanna Branch

    (18 reviews)

    Basically, this is an upscale drop off DAYCARE center and not designed for someone seriously…read morewanting to gain knowledge through a library. Children are running rapid, climbing over furniture and screaming..... babies having temper, tantrums and adult / staff doing absolutely nothing to correct the issue. Forget about trying to concentrate because that is not happening here. I have been at this location several times, mornings, afternoon and evening, and it's always the same scenario. Even with wax earplugs or EarPods you simply cannot mask the noise level. I've spoken with staff regarding the issue and was told it's normal. After school is out then you're dealing with disrespectful teenagers, sitting around, acting up and being disruptive and claiming all the decent computers just to sit and watch videos or play games. Can't they do this at home so that others can actually utilize the library as it was meant to be used? If the teens have taken up all the adult allowed area ( yes their sections for the age groups ) and there is a free seat elsewhere you NOT allowed to use it unless you have a child with you. If that's not discriminating I don't know what is. Wasted tax dollars at work!!! Would've been cheaper to build a free daycare center elsewhere. While I enjoy the futuristic modern design, the open center is complete wasted space only designed for aesthetic purposes, not useful. And lastly, with all the windows, it is absolutely freezing in the winter time....and yes burning up in the summer. I suggest New Albany library where the youth have respect for their surroundings, unless you're a deadbeat parent needing to pawn your child off on someone else, then the Gahanna library is for you.

    Great place to meet w groups. There are conference rooms. However it can be very loud as they…read morehave a ton of children's programs! There are great spaces to read and bonus you can charge your phone/ devices in some areas. It seems everyone I go in there is a massive children's program with loud music going on.i have been in the morning and afternoon! I'll have to go another time.

    The Wagnalls Memorial Library - libraries - Updated May 2026

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