Igniting a Love of Reading, One Page at a Time.
The Excellence Library connects Columbus residents of all ages and backgrounds with free literacy programs, digital skills workshops, and a mobile bookmobile delivering books and learning resources directly to underserved neighborhoods. Whether you are a child discovering your first chapter book, an adult building English language skills, or a senior navigating the digital world, our certified librarians and volunteer tutors are here to guide your journey.
Summer Reading Challenge 2026
Join hundreds of Columbus kids and teens for our annual Summer Reading Challenge running June through August. Read 20 books, earn prizes, attend author meet-and-greets, and participate in creative writing workshops at any of our reading rooms or bookmobile stops.
- ✓ Free for all ages K–12
- ✓ Track reading online or in-person
- ✓ Prizes at 5, 10, and 20 books
Building Literacy Across Every Generation
From emergent readers to lifelong learners, Excellence Library offers free programming tailored to every stage of life and every level of reading proficiency.
After-School Reading Club
Guided reading sessions every Monday through Wednesday from 3:30 to 5:30 PM. Certified reading tutors lead age-appropriate book discussions, comprehension exercises, and creative journaling. Healthy snacks provided by our partnership with Mid-Ohio Food Collective.
Learn more →ESL & Adult Literacy
Four-level English as a Second Language curriculum from beginner conversation to advanced academic writing. Classes meet Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Instruction is led by TESOL-certified volunteers and supported by bilingual materials in Spanish, Somali, and Nepali.
Learn more →Senior Digital Skills
Patient, hands-on workshops helping older adults navigate email, video calling, online banking, telehealth portals, and library digital catalogs. Small groups of four to six participants ensure personalized attention. Free loaner tablets available during sessions.
Learn more →Our Community Impact
Since 2006, The Excellence Library has served the greater Columbus metropolitan area through direct programming, bookmobile outreach, and community partnerships.
What’s Happening at Excellence Library
Family Literacy Festival
Free outdoor festival featuring author readings, book swaps, face painting, story walks, and literacy resource tables from Columbus City Schools and Franklin County Public Library. All ages welcome. Held at Goodale Park Pavilion.
Adult Book Club: “Homegoing”
Join our monthly adult book discussion group as we explore Yaa Gyasi’s sweeping multi-generational novel about two half-sisters from Ghana. Light refreshments served. Free copies available while supplies last at our State Street reading room.
STEM Story Hour: Weather Science
Kids ages 5 through 10 will explore weather science through read-alouds and hands-on experiments including building rain gauges and cloud identification charts. Presented in partnership with COSI (Center of Science and Industry).
Meet Our Tutors
Excellence Library relies on a dedicated corps of over 120 active volunteers who contribute more than 8,400 hours annually. Our reading tutors come from diverse backgrounds, united by a shared belief that literacy is the foundation of opportunity. Every volunteer completes a 12-hour training certification covering reading pedagogy, cultural sensitivity, and child safeguarding protocols before working with participants.
This month we celebrate Marcus Jefferson, a retired Columbus City Schools principal who has volunteered over 600 hours across three years, mentoring dozens of middle school readers through our After-School Reading Club. Marcus specializes in building confidence in reluctant readers through graphic novels and interactive storytelling techniques.
Become a Volunteer →Community Partners
- ✓ Columbus Metropolitan Library
- ✓ United Way of Central Ohio
- ✓ Columbus City Schools
- ✓ Mid-Ohio Food Collective
- ✓ COSI (Center of Science & Industry)
- ✓ Franklin County Public Library
- ✓ Ohio State University School of Education
Find Your Next Great Read
Answer five quick questions and let our reading specialists match you with three personalized book recommendations. All suggested titles are available at our reading rooms and through the bookmobile.
Find Your Next Great Read
Answer five quick questions and our reading specialists will match you with three books perfectly suited to your interests, reading level, and preferred format. All recommended titles are available at our Columbus reading rooms and through our mobile bookmobile.
Every Reader Deserves a Champion
Whether you want to volunteer as a reading tutor, donate books, sponsor a neighborhood reading room, or enroll in one of our programs, there is a place for you at The Excellence Library. Together, we are building a more literate, connected, and empowered Columbus.