COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — As Columbus Metropolitan Library prepares for the construction of a new branch, the current Linden Branch will officially close to the public in mid February.

Plans to begin construction on the new building will begin in late February. The Linden Branch, which was built in 2004, will not be closed permanently but instead be temporarily be located at 1990 Jefferson Ave. The new building will become the official Linden Branch once construction is done.

Columbus Metropolitan Library is currently on Phase II of its plan to reinvest in local communities. This phase includes the opening of Karl Road, Hilltop, and Gahanna branches, as well as planning and construction underway for multiple other branches. In Nov. 23, Columbus approved a levy that will bring in $39 million for the Columbus Metropolitan Library system during its first year.

The new two-level Linden Branch will be built on the same site that the current branch has been located on for two decades. It will more than double the size of the current branch from 12,700 square feet to approximately 27,000 square feet.

Turner Construction Company will serve as the construction manager at risk and Moody Nolan will serve as the architect on the project.

Columbus Metropolitan Library will hold an indoor ceremonial “wallbreaking” at 3 p.m. on Feb. 28. The event is expected to be highly visual and will include library leaders and city and community officials. It is free and open to the public, with parking available in the branch parking lot.

To learn more about Columbus Metropolitan Library’s Aspirational Building Program, visit its website.