COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Columbus Metropolitan Library has officially opened its new Marion-Franklin branch, expanding access to resources and community spaces in the south Columbus neighborhood.

The new 10,000-square-foot facility, located at 2800 Lockbourne Rd., more than doubles the size of the former 4,000-square-foot “express branch” that opened in 2014 inside the former Beery Middle School. That location closed to the public on Oct. 3.

The standalone branch features two meeting rooms, a conference room and three study rooms for community use.

It also includes a larger children’s area with spaces for reading, play and computer use, along with a dedicated teen space stocked with books, computers and study areas.

Other amenities include a learning center offering free after-school help,

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