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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Source Sans 3",sans-serif">The State Library of Ohio is embarking on a new phase of transformation, building on a long legacy of planning and innovation to deliver outstanding library services today and for generations
to come. As part of this initiative, staff offices are relocating to the heart of Columbus at 35 East Chestnut Street, while our priceless collections are moving to a specialized archival facility with state-of-the-art environmental controls at 1831 Deffenbaugh
Court in Gahanna. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Source Sans 3",sans-serif"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Source Sans 3",sans-serif">These moves are part of a strategic modernization effort aimed at enhancing our services, safeguarding our collections, creating improved workspaces for staff, and ensuring long-term
financial sustainability. By relocating to these two locations, the State Library will free up resources to reinvest in collections, digitization projects, and other initiatives aimed to better serve all Ohioans. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Source Sans 3",sans-serif"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Source Sans 3",sans-serif">“This move represents an exciting new chapter for the State Library of Ohio,” said Mandy Knapp, State Librarian. “By relocating our staff offices and safeguarding our collections in a
purpose- built archival facility, we’re investing in the future of library service for all Ohioans. These modern spaces will strengthen our ability to preserve Ohio’s history, expand access to our resources by increasing our ability to digitize materials,
invest further in online research materials, and better support the great state we so proudly serve.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Source Sans 3",sans-serif"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Source Sans 3",sans-serif">Our new Chestnut Street location is easy walking distance from downtown bus stops and garages. This location will feature a reading room which will serve as a central hub for assistance
from our research librarians. There will also be a meeting room for State Library use only. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Source Sans 3",sans-serif"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Source Sans 3",sans-serif">The State Library’s collections include fragile, rare and unique books, manuscripts, and government documents that illustrate and preserve the history of our state and nation. Relocating
these items to an environmentally controlled site will help safeguard them for future generations. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Source Sans 3",sans-serif"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Source Sans 3",sans-serif">In addition to safeguarding our rare and unique items, the State Library plans to increase our digitization efforts to provide greater access for researchers, teachers and students, and
the public. A room at the Chestnut location is being remodeled for our state-of-the-art digitization lab for this purpose. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Source Sans 3",sans-serif"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Source Sans 3",sans-serif">To facilitate a move of this scale,
<b><span style="color:#C00000">the State Library is closing its Columbus location at the end of the business day on April 14, 2026</span></b>. Registering for new accounts and borrowing physical items will temporarily be unavailable for a limited time while
the collection is moved. However, State Library staff will be accessible via phone and email during regular business hours. Access to digital collections will continue. The Ohio Digital Library is our most heavily used resource, and the State Library remains
committed to ensuring continued reliable services and access to its ebooks, audiobooks, and digital magazines. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Source Sans 3",sans-serif"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Source Sans 3",sans-serif">The State Library has been planning a move for several years due to the aging condition of the building at 274 East First Avenue and the uncertainty about renewing its lease. Additionally,
the property is slated for redevelopment, with a developer planning to demolish the building to make way for new apartments. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Source Sans 3",sans-serif"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Source Sans 3",sans-serif">Find more information and updates via our
<b><span style="color:#0070C0"><a href="https://library.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/lib/residents/using-the-library/0move-to-new-location"><span style="color:#0070C0">State Library Relocation</span></a></span></b> webpage. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Source Sans 3",sans-serif">###<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#0E3F75"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><img border="0" width="268" height="80" style="width:2.7916in;height:.8281in" id="Picture_x0020_1" src="cid:image001.png@01DCC67B.510C9B50" alt="A picture containing text
Description automatically generated"><o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#0E3F75">Marsha McDevitt-Stredney<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#5A5A5A">Director, Marketing & Communications<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#5A5A5A">State Library of Ohio<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#5A5A5A">274 E. 1<sup>st</sup> Avenue<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#5A5A5A">Columbus, OH 43201<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#5A5A5A">Tel: 614.644.6875<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#0070C0"><a href="mailto:marshams@library.ohio.gov"><span style="color:#0070C0">marshams@library.ohio.gov</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#0070C0"><a href="https://library.ohio.gov/"><span style="color:#0070C0">library.ohio.gov</span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></span></p>
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