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  • The Columbus Metropolitan Library offers free meals to students under 18 at 17 locations throughout the summer.
  • CML cardholders can access local cultural attractions for free with a Culture Pass.
  • The Columbus Book Festival will be held July 12-13, featuring authors, vendors and activities.

When most people think of libraries, they likely envision books, public computers and the occasional “shh!”

But at the Columbus Metropolitan Library, there’s a lot more going on behind the shelves.

From meals for students to local museum tickets to English language courses, CML provides its cardholders ample events, programs and activities to engage the community. And the best part? So long as you’ve got a CML library card, they’re all free.

Here’s a look at what CML offers beyond the usual stacks, screens and silence this summer.

Free student meals

Students ages 18 and under can receive free meals at 17 CML locations from June 2 until the end of the summer.

In partnership with Children’s Hunger Alliance, all participating locations will provide at least one free meal per day — either breakfast, lunch or dinner — with some offering multiple. To learn more about which libraries are participating in the program and when, check out CML’s program flyer.

“Ensuring that our young minds have what they need to succeed extends beyond literacy,” CML CEO Lauren Hagan said in a statement. “Students can’t focus on their schoolwork if they’re hungry. We deeply value the Children’s Hunger Alliance for their continued commitment and partnership.”

Culture Pass program

Columbus boasts many iconic attractions, but they can cost a pretty penny.

With a CML Culture Pass, however, library cardholders can access many of these sites at no cost.

Whether it’s tickets to the BalletMet, a Clippers game or the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, a CML Culture Pass allows you to attend various arts and cultural venues for free. To check out a pass, visit a CML location in person, but be sure to check the passes’ availability in advance.

‘From Book to Film’ program

In partnership with Gateway Film Center, this initiative enables cardholders to attend free showings of movies inspired by books at the local theater.

This summer marks the 15th anniversary of the program, which runs from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend. Some of this year’s featured films include “The Wizard of Oz,” “Shrek,” “The Goonies” and “Jumanji.”

To learn more about the program and find the complete schedule of included movies, visit Gateway’s webpage.

Summer Reading Challenge

Regarded as its “signature program,” CML’s Summer Reading Challenge allows readers of all ages to track their progress reading for 15 minutes every day across a 25-day period in order to earn rewards. The program will begin May 31 and end July 31.

For every five days of reading completed, participants can earn prizes and raffle entries — ranging from toys and art sets for children, to activities and tech gear for teens, to event tickets and gift baskets for adults. Peruse the full list of items up for raffle here.

Library cardholders can sign up for the challenge by visiting any CML location in-person or creating an account on the library’s webpage.

Columbus Book Festival

The 2025 Columbus Book Festival will take place at CML’s main library — located at 96 S. Grant Ave. — and neighboring Topiary Park.

The annual two-day book fest intends to bring together literature lovers with a lineup of over 200 authors, some of which are Columbus-based. Activities will include panel discussions, author talks and book signings, plus an array of reading-related vendors, a food court and an entertainment lineup. The event is free to all.

This year’s festival is scheduled for July 12 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and July 13 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. More information can be found on the festival’s webpage.

Educational classes

Ever wanted to learn yoga? Is English your second language? Are you studying for your U.S. citizenship exam? Want to know more about growing a garden?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may want to check out CML’s ongoing list of classes and educational events. From recurring, regularly scheduled courses to one-off seminars or workshops, each of the library’s many locations offers a variety of learning opportunities for CML cardholders.

Below is a list of just some of these educational offerings, and more information about each — including where and when it will take place — can be found on CML’s Events webpage.

  • English Conversation Tables – English language practice with library staff, open to all skill levels.
  • Digital Skills for Life – an ongoing program that teaches participants about various technology-related topics, with the current programming all about how to use transportation apps like COTA Plus and Google Maps.
  • Citizenship Class – a weekly course for adults preparing to take their U.S. citizenship exam, which includes review of U.S. history, government and civics, plus general interview preparation.
  • Neighborhood Navigator Program – an initiative to connect South Side residents with access to food assistance, transportation, eviction prevention services, workforce training programs and other community resources.
  • College & Career Drop-In – access to free college and career-planning assistance for individuals ages 12 and up.
  • Ready for Kindergarten Class – a course for both parents and children that offers hands-on practice of skills like writing letters and cutting with scissors for the kids and instruction on how to further develop these kinds of abilities at home for the adults.

Reporter Emma Wozniak can be reached at ewozniak@dispatch.com, or @emma_wozniak_ on X, formerly known as Twitter.

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