“A whole new world at the Columbus Public Library”

The renovation of the Children’s Room on the second floor of the Columbus Public Library is finally complete! The project took about four and a half months, and believe me, it was worth the wait.

When children first walk into the newly remodeled space, their gaze is immediately directed up to the large 24 ft. by 22 ft. skylight.

As their eyes descend, the children encounter seven brightly colored kites, soaring through the beams that make the room structurally sound. The kites’ tails draw their attention to three decorated four foot by two foot windows. These focal points are important because they allow children’s imaginations to escape the barriers of the Library and travel to various locations encountered in the books they are reading.

Once young minds make their way back to Earth, it is the room’s color pattern that takes hold of them. The red, yellow, and orange scheme is featured not only by circles of all shades and sizes but also by three 19th century 3-D bicycles mounted on the north wall. Each bicycle is surrounded by a magical word: Explore, Imagine, and Dream.

On the opposite wall, both children and parents encounter a mural with the saying “You can teach children through stories” spun within it. That saying is actually the motto of the Children’s Room. It covers all ages and reading abilities and can be intergenerational. Its meaning is simple: no matter what story a parent, grandparent, or teacher reads, the child will walk away with a new concept, perception, or understanding.

To bring the excitement of reading and venturing to the library to the children in your life, checkout a few of these titles “Book, Book, Book” by Nancy Carlson, “But Excuse Me That Was My Book” by Lauren Child, “Wild about Books” by Judy Sierra, “Curious George Visits the Library” by Margaret Rey, and “Library Lion” by Michelle Knudsen. “Library Lion” also happens to be a 2008-2009 Golden Sower Nominee.

Also, don’t forget to attend the Grand Opening of the Children’s Room on Monday, November 5th from 5-7 p.m. This event will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Mayor Mike Moser as well as John McClure; president of the Library Foundation, will speak about the cooperative nature of the project. Guest will be treated to cookies and punch provided by the Friends of the Columbus Public Library. If you have any questions regarding the Grand Opening of the Children’s Room or any of the books mentioned, feel free to contact me at 564-7116 opt. 4.