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The Secret Lives of Buildings

6th and Washington-- from Post Office to Bookstore

2025-08-21 18:00:00 2025-08-21 19:00:00 America/Indiana/Indianapolis The Secret Lives of Buildings Discover architect Charles Sparrell's final Columbus creation at 6th & Washington. Explore its role in Rural Free Delivery, unique architecture, and the diverse tenants that shaped its history! Columbus - Red Room

Thursday, August 21
6:00pm - 7:00pm

Add to Calendar 2025-08-21 18:00:00 2025-08-21 19:00:00 America/Indiana/Indianapolis The Secret Lives of Buildings Discover architect Charles Sparrell's final Columbus creation at 6th & Washington. Explore its role in Rural Free Delivery, unique architecture, and the diverse tenants that shaped its history! Columbus - Red Room

Columbus

Red Room

Discover architect Charles Sparrell's final Columbus creation at 6th & Washington. Explore its role in Rural Free Delivery, unique architecture, and the diverse tenants that shaped its history!

We will explore the histories of several important buildings in downtown Columbus, focusing on the buildings, the people who built them and use them, and how they shape our community today.

This series has been made possible through a Historic Preservation Grant from Indiana Landmarks, Indiana Humanities, and the National Endowment for the Humanities.

AGE GROUP: | Adults |

EVENT TYPE: | Genealogy/Local History | Archives |

Columbus
Phone: 812-379-1255
Hours
Mon, May 05 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Tue, May 06 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Wed, May 07 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Thu, May 08 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Fri, May 09 9:00AM to 6:00PM
Sat, May 10 9:00AM to 6:00PM
Sun, May 11 Closed
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About the branch

The Main Library is located in the Cleo Rogers Memorial Library in downtown Columbus at 536 Fifth Street. Completed in 1969 and designed by architect I.M. Pei, it features library collections for children, teens, and adults. It also houses the Columbus Indiana Architectural Archives, Family and Local History collection, and BCPL Create studio.  

Upcoming events

Notary Available at Hope Branch Library
Fri, May 09, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Hope - Hope Branch Library
Come to Hope Branch Library on Fridays from 2-3PM to get items notarized by staff member notary Jennifer Pardue. Please have photo ID.
Cancelled
Photography 101 - with Viewfinders Photography Club
Mon, May 12, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Columbus
Join members of the Viewfinders Photography club to learn the basics of photography. All skill levels welcome.
Juntos con Family School Partners - Spanish Language Storytime
Fri, May 16, 11:00am - 11:30am
Columbus - Children's Programming Room
¡Los niños están invitados a una hora de cuentos y cantos! Children and their caregivers are invited to a storytime in Spanish!
Notary Available at Hope Branch Library
Fri, May 16, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Hope - Hope Branch Library
Come to Hope Branch Library on Fridays from 2-3PM to get items notarized by staff member notary Jennifer Pardue. Please have photo ID.
South Central Indiana Master Gardener Association Plant Sale
Sat, May 17, 9:00am - 12:00pm
Columbus - Library Plaza
SCIMGA's 8th annual plant sale offers locally grown plants, including natives, perennials, annuals, vegetables, and more. Master Gardeners will assist, and proceeds support local programs.
Hooks and Needles
Sat, May 17, 11:00am - 1:00pm
Columbus - Teen Room
The Hooks and Needles program is for all types of needle crafters to gather, create, and socialize.
Flow Yoga
Mon, May 19, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Columbus - Red Room
Join us for a one-hour session with certified yoga instructor Sonia Aponte. This class will focus on a smooth, continuous flow of movements linked to the breath to help achieve a mind/body balance.
Teen Puppy Petting Party
Mon, May 19, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Columbus - Teen Room
De-stress from finals by meeting and petting some dogs from the Bartholomew County Humane Society. Resources provided by Vachel from Mental Health Matters Bartholomew County.
BCPL Board of Trustees
Mon, May 19, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Columbus - Red Room
Monthly meeting of the Library Board of Trustees. All are welcome.
Pokemon Club - Ages 5-12
Mon, May 19, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Columbus - Lower Level Reception Area,Meeting Room 4,Meeting Room 5
Card collectors, trainers, gamers, and fans are all welcome to join as we learn and talk about all things Pokemon!
Columbus Viewfinders
Mon, May 19, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Columbus - Conference Room
Learn about different photography topics and share what you know. Minimal annual dues involved after one to two meetings.
Adults Reading YA Book Club: AAPI Heritage Month
Mon, May 19, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Columbus - Non-Library Location (See description)
In celebration of Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month, choose a teen book written by an AAPI author. We will meet at Pho Shiki, located at 2991 25th St.
Family Storytime - Ages 1-5
Mon, May 19, 6:00pm - 6:30pm
Columbus - Children's Programming Room
Join us at the library for Family Storytime!
Toddler Time - Ages 1-3
Tue, May 20, 9:15am - 9:45am
Columbus - Red Room
Join us at the library for Toddler Time!
Toddler Time - Ages 1-3
Tue, May 20, 10:00am - 10:30am
Columbus - Red Room
Join us at the library for Toddler Time!
Preschool Storytime - Ages 3-5
Tue, May 20, 11:00am - 11:30am
Columbus - Red Room
Join us at the library for Storytime!
Chair Yoga
Tue, May 20, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Columbus - Red Room
Join us for a one-hour session with certified yoga and chair yoga instructor. These sessions are great for beginners and those who want to focus on gentle practice.
Teen Crochet Camp: Flower Bookmarks
Tue, May 20, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Columbus - Teen Room
Crochet your own bookmark for all of your summer reading! All supplies provided and beginners are welcome.
Pokemon Club
Tue, May 20, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Hope - Hope Library (Annex)
Card collectors, trainers, gamers, and fans are all welcome to join as we learn and talk about all things Pokemon!
Adults on the Spectrum
Tue, May 20, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Columbus - Meeting Room 3
Support group for individuals 18 and up on the autism spectrum. Provided by Inclusive Options.
Sing & Play with Allie Jean - Ages 2-5
Wed, May 21, 10:00am - 10:30am
Columbus - Children's Programming Room
Little ones are invited to Sing & Play with Allie Jean!
Hooks and Needles
Wed, May 21, 10:00am - 11:00am
Hope - Hope Branch Library
The Hooks and Needles program is for all types of needle crafters to gather, create, and socialize.
Teen End of Year Ice Cream Party + Wicked
Wed, May 21, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Columbus - Teen Room
Celebrate the last day of school with green and pink ice cream while watching Wicked. Ice cream available while supplies last.
Adult Storytime
Wed, May 21, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Hope - Hope Branch Library
Come and relax while a short story is read to you. There will be Adult coloring sheets, and journals provided for you while you listen. This program is only for Adults due to the content.
Civil War Book Club
Wed, May 21, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Columbus - Conference Room
Join this engaging book discussion group where we explore captivating non-fiction about the Civil War, uncovering its history and lasting impact.
Library Babies - For infants from birth to 18 months
Thu, May 22, 10:00am - 10:30am
Columbus - Red Room
This relaxed program is a baby-friendly introduction to storytime.
Library Babies - For infants from birth to 18 months
Thu, May 22, 10:35am - 11:00am
Columbus - Red Room
This relaxed program is a baby-friendly introduction to storytime.
Library Babies - For infants from birth to 18 months
Thu, May 22, 11:05am - 11:30am
Columbus - Red Room
This relaxed program is a baby-friendly introduction to storytime.
Mobile Made Easy
Thu, May 22, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Columbus - Meeting Room 4
This workshop is for those who have a new Android mobile device, or are considering getting one, and want to learn more about the basic functions.
Teen Dungeons and Dragons
Thu, May 22, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Columbus - Teen Room
Create a level 5, fifth edition character prior to the game or use a pre-created character to explore the world of D&D. This game is beginner-friendly. All materials provided.
Teen Game Day
Thu, May 22, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Columbus - Teen Area
Learn to play new games and enjoy older ones in this afterschool games club. Games include Disney Sorcerer?s Arena: Epic Alliance, numerous unicorn-themed games, and play games on our arcade machine.
Tween Game Time
Thu, May 22, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Columbus - Tween Area
Stop by after school and join us for some laid-back fun as we play our way through our collection of board, card, and dice games. Game selection may vary.
NAMI Peer Support
Thu, May 22, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Columbus - Conference Room
NAMI support groups are peer-led and offer participants an opportunity to share their experiences and gain support from other attendees.
The Secret Lives of Buldings - McEwen-Samuels-Marr Home
Thu, May 22, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Columbus - Red Room
Explore the history of the McEwen-Samues-Marr Home, The Current site of the Bartholomew County Historical Society, with its curator and collections manager, Jared Anderson.
3D Printing 101
Thu, May 22, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Columbus - Meeting Room 4
"Step into the world of 3D printing. This introductory class is perfect for anyone curious about this exciting technology.
Versiti Blood Center of Indiana - Blood Drive
Fri, May 23, 12:30pm - 3:30pm
Columbus
Help us meet our goal lifesaving donations for Indiana patients in need! *Each donation saves up to 3 Hoosier lives* APPOINTMENTS PREFERRED Schedule your donation using the registration link below.
Register
Notary Available at Hope Branch Library
Fri, May 23, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Hope - Hope Branch Library
Come to Hope Branch Library on Fridays from 2-3PM to get items notarized by staff member notary Jennifer Pardue. Please have photo ID.
Teen Art Studio: Q-Tip Cherry Blossoms
Fri, May 23, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Columbus - Teen Room
Celebrate spring weather and blooming flowers by learning to paint cherry or plum blossom trees.
Tween Stitch Camp: Foundations of Crochet - Grades 4-6
Fri, May 23, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Columbus - Tween Area
Join children's library staff to learn the basics and foundations of crochet.
Saturday Storytime: Ready for Summer!
Sat, May 24, 11:00am - 11:45am
Columbus - Red Room
Stories, lemonade, and a summertime craft!
Toddler Time - Ages 1-3
Tue, May 27, 9:15am - 9:45am
Columbus - Red Room
Join us at the library for Toddler Time!
Toddler Time - Ages 1-3
Tue, May 27, 10:00am - 10:30am
Columbus - Red Room
Join us at the library for Toddler Time!
Preschool Storytime - Ages 3-5
Tue, May 27, 11:00am - 11:30am
Columbus - Red Room
Join us at the library for Storytime!
Chair Yoga
Tue, May 27, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Columbus - Red Room
Join us for a one-hour session with certified yoga and chair yoga instructor. These sessions are great for beginners and those who want to focus on gentle practice.
Legal Aid Clinic
Tue, May 27, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Columbus - Lower Level Reception Area,Meeting Room 3,Meeting Room 4,Meeting Room 5
3pm - 4pm General Civil Advice Clinic 4pm - 5pm Eviction Legal Advice
All Book'd Book Club
Tue, May 27, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Columbus - Red Room,Zoom 2
Join library staff members Shelly and Maria for a book discussion of "Frozen River" by Ariel Lawhon.
Girls Who Code
Tue, May 27, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Columbus - Conference Room
Girls Who Code Clubs are spaces where girls can join our sisterhood of supportive peers and use Computer Science to change the world.
Reading with Friends
Wed, May 28, 9:30am - 10:30am
Columbus - Red Room
This book group is designed for readers and non-readers. Participants can enjoy stories and be guided through discussion and activities related to the reading.
Teen Film Series: Mental Health Awareness Month Marathon
Wed, May 28, 10:00am - 5:00pm
Columbus - Teen Room
10 - Gaslight 12 - Inside Out 1:30 - Inside Out 2 3 - The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Sing & Play with Allie Jean - Ages 2-8
Wed, May 28, 4:00pm - 4:30pm
Columbus - Children's Programming Room
Little ones are invited to Sing & Play with Allie Jean!
Kids' Ukulele Class - Grades K-6
Wed, May 28, 4:35pm - 5:00pm
Columbus - Children's Programming Room
Kids in grades K-6 are invited to the children's department to learn how to play the ukulele with local musician, teacher, and mom- Allie Jean!
Library Babies - For infants from birth to 18 months
Thu, May 29, 10:00am - 10:30am
Columbus - Red Room
This relaxed program is a baby-friendly introduction to storytime.
Library Babies - For infants from birth to 18 months
Thu, May 29, 10:35am - 11:00am
Columbus - Red Room
This relaxed program is a baby-friendly introduction to storytime.
Library Babies - For infants from birth to 18 months
Thu, May 29, 11:05am - 11:30am
Columbus - Red Room
This relaxed program is a baby-friendly introduction to storytime.
Teen Disc Golf
Thu, May 29, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Columbus - Non-Library Location (See description)
Learn to play Disc Golf on the new course at the Lex (850 Tipton Lane)! Discs provided and beginners welcome!
Tween Game Time
Thu, May 29, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Columbus - Tween Area
Stop by after school and join us for some laid-back fun as we play our way through our collection of board, card, and dice games. Game selection may vary.
Teen Game Day
Thu, May 29, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Columbus - Teen Area
Learn to play new games and enjoy older ones in this afterschool games club. Games include Disney Sorcerer?s Arena: Epic Alliance, numerous unicorn-themed games, and play games on our arcade machine.
Family Exercise and Movement with Ruth Bayardo - Ages 4-10 and Caregivers
Thu, May 29, 4:45pm - 5:15pm
Columbus - Library Patio,Red Room
Bring your friends and family members for a kid-friendly exercise and wellness program!
Food, Insecure
Thu, May 29, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Columbus - Red Room
Join us for a powerful screening and conversation on hunger in Indiana. Food, Insecure is a compelling 30-minute film that explores the urgent issue of food insecurity across Indiana.
Age My Way: Stay Informed, Stay Involved
Fri, May 30, 10:00am - 2:00pm
Columbus - Conference Room,Red Room
Join us for a day dedicated to your health, safety, and connection! This free conference is designed especially for older adults looking to live well, stay safe, and stay connected.
Northbound Hounds on the Plaza - BCPL Concert Series
Fri, May 30, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Columbus - Library Plaza
Enjoy free summer concerts on the Library Plaza! Local bands, great vibes?bring a chair, your favorite snacks, and drinks. Relax, listen, and enjoy live music under the open sky!
River Rat Tales - History on the Ohio River from an Old River Rat
Sat, May 31, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Hope - Hope Branch Library
Join Old River Rat Dan as he brings the 1800s Ohio River to life with fascinating tales of steamboats, river towns, and adventures from a bygone era in this lively historical storytelling event.
Mondays at Mill Race Storytime - and BCPL Express!
Mon, Jun 02, 10:00am - 10:30am
Mill Race Park - Amphitheater by 5th Street Entrance
Stories, songs, rhymes, and books to keep at Mill Race Park!
Flow Yoga
Mon, Jun 02, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Columbus - Red Room
Join us for a one-hour session with certified yoga instructor Sonia Aponte. This class will focus on a smooth, continuous flow of movements linked to the breath to help achieve a mind/body balance.
Chuck Taylor and the Crispus Attucks Championship Escape
Mon, Jun 02, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Columbus - Conference Room
Can you to find a commemorative sneaker made by Converse to celebrate the 1955 and 1956 Indiana high school basketball championships?
Summer Reading Registration Pop-Up
Mon, Jun 02, 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Columbus - Library Plaza
Stop by the library plaza to sign up for the Reading Renaissance, learn about upcoming programming, and collect your first prize!
Family Storytime - Ages 1-5
Mon, Jun 02, 6:00pm - 6:30pm
Columbus - Children's Programming Room
Join us at the library for Family Storytime!
Toddler Time - Ages 1-3
Tue, Jun 03, 9:15am - 9:45am
Columbus - Red Room
Join us at the library for Toddler Time!
Toddler Time - Ages 1-3
Tue, Jun 03, 10:00am - 10:30am
Columbus - Red Room
Join us at the library for Toddler Time!
Preschool Storytime - Ages 3-5
Tue, Jun 03, 11:00am - 11:30am
Columbus - Red Room
Join us at the library for Storytime!
Chair Yoga
Tue, Jun 03, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Columbus - Red Room
Join us for a one-hour session with certified yoga and chair yoga instructor. These sessions are great for beginners and those who want to focus on gentle practice.
Teen Mini-Faire
Tue, Jun 03, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Columbus - Teen Room
Celebrate the start of Summer Reading with snacks, drinks, and music as we dance around the Maypole.
Adults on the Spectrum
Tue, Jun 03, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Columbus - Meeting Room 4
Support group for individuals 18 and up on the autism spectrum. Provided by Inclusive Options.
Preschool Art Studio - Ages 1-5
Wed, Jun 04, 11:00am - 11:30am
Columbus - Children's Programming Room
Children ages 1-5 and their caregivers can drop in anytime from 11:00-11:30 for age-appropriate Process Art! Process art focuses on the journey of making art rather than focusing on the end product.
Laid Back Library Wednesdays
Wed, Jun 04, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Columbus - Red Room
Join us after lunch for some laid back fun. Games, crafts, and more.
Skill Builders: Bingo
Wed, Jun 04, 1:30pm - 2:15pm
Columbus - Lower Level Reception Area,Meeting Room 3,Meeting Room 4,Meeting Room 5
This month, we will be playing Bingo and signing up for Summer Reading Skill Builders is a program for Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and their caregivers.
Skill Builders: Bingo
Wed, Jun 04, 2:30pm - 3:15pm
Columbus - Lower Level Reception Area,Meeting Room 3,Meeting Room 4,Meeting Room 5
This month, we will be playing Bingo and signing up for Summer Reading Skill Builders is a program for Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and their caregivers.
Ye Olde Summer Reading Kickoff
Wed, Jun 04, 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Hope - Hope Branch Library
Kick off Summer Reading with a Renaissance-themed party in the park! Enjoy crafts, games, and fun for the whole family as we celebrate stories, imagination, and adventure together.
Hope Family Craft
Wed, Jun 04, 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Hope - Hope Town Square
Come Join us for the Summer Reading kick-off and make dragon eye necklaces, fire breathing dragons, and bags decorated with castles!
Kids' Art Studio
Wed, Jun 04, 4:00pm - 4:45pm
Columbus - Children's Programming Room,Conference Room
Join library staff and unleash your creativity- we?ll provide all the supplies you need.
Bartholomew County Writer's Group
Wed, Jun 04, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Columbus - Conference Room
We're a collection of local writers of all ages and all genres, gathered to learn from and inspire each other. Together, we can improve our craft and continue down the road to success.
Sierra Club - Winding Waters Group
Wed, Jun 04, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Columbus - Red Room
Join the us for our monthly meeting! Open to the public, each gathering features guest speakers presenting on key environmental topics. Connect, learn, and take action for a greener future.
Register
Library Babies - For infants from birth to 18 months
Thu, Jun 05, 10:00am - 10:30am
Columbus - Red Room
This relaxed program is a baby-friendly introduction to storytime.
Library Babies - For infants from birth to 18 months
Thu, Jun 05, 10:35am - 11:00am
Columbus - Red Room
This relaxed program is a baby-friendly introduction to storytime.
Library Babies - For infants from birth to 18 months
Thu, Jun 05, 11:05am - 11:30am
Columbus - Red Room
This relaxed program is a baby-friendly introduction to storytime.
Teen Game Day
Thu, Jun 05, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Columbus - Teen Area
Learn to play new games and enjoy older ones in this afterschool games club. Games include Disney Sorcerer?s Arena: Epic Alliance, numerous unicorn-themed games, and play games on our arcade machine.
Zip Tie Crowns
Thu, Jun 05, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Columbus - Conference Room
Are you feeling regal? Show it! We will make crowns out of simple materials that you can start wearing right away!
Family Exercise and Movement with Ruth Bayardo - Ages 4-10 and Caregivers
Thu, Jun 05, 4:45pm - 5:15pm
Columbus - Library Patio,Red Room
Bring your friends and family members for a kid-friendly exercise and wellness program!
Author Visit: Arriel Vinson - In person event
Fri, Jun 06, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Columbus
Arriel Vinson is a Reese's Book Club LitUp Fellow and Midwesterner who writes about being young, Black, and in search of freedom.
Teen Volunteer Day
Fri, Jun 06, 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Columbus - Teen Room
Do you need volunteer hours this summer? Just want to help out the Teen Services Department? We?ve got tasks you can help us with! Please bring any papers that need to be signed with you.
Fairy Tale Friday - at The LEX!
Fri, Jun 06, 1:00pm - 1:30pm
The LEX - 850 Tipton Lane, Columbus
Join us on the lawn for fanciful fairy tales!
Paint Along with Greg Potter - Ages 7-12
Sat, Jun 07, 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Columbus - Conference Room
Join Franklin-based artist Greg Potter and create a fun - maybe even silly - Renaissance-themed painting!
Registration opens Saturday, May 24 2025 at 9:00am
See all events