Local residents applauded a 16-month long, massive overhaul to the Columbus Metropolitan Library Saturday afternoon.
The $35-million dollar renovation was unveiled with a ribbon cutting.
"Yes, I'm excited," Ernesto Vargas said. The local resident arrived early with his daughter in hopes of catching a sneak peek.
Young bookworms like Rehanna Wooden have eagerly awaited the reopening of the library.
Wooden joined her father and sister for a visit Saturday afternoon. Children like Rehanna will soon find their way to more than books -- the former kids theater is now an open story circle that welcomes little ones in.
People in hard hats last went to work on Columbus' Main Library in 1991. That $39-million dollar expansion left books stacked higher, and the interior darker to protect the pages.
But today, modern walls are made of glass to let the light in -- with better technology to block the sun rays.
Technology is also used in the newly-renovated library's touch-screen navigating centers. The interactive screens offer information to library visitors who are comfortable with smart phones.
The new design speaks volumes. You'll still find books inside, but the redesigned library is about gathering people and offering opportunity.
It's already drawing families in.
"We wanted to see how nice it is inside," Vargas said. "We used to come over here every day and we've been waiting for this day."
This $35-million library renovation is part of a larger $130-million overhaul to 10 different library locations.