Cleo Rogers Memorial Library, Public library in Columbus, Indiana.
Cleo Rogers Memorial Library is a public library featuring red brick walls, a concrete waffle-patterned ceiling, and large glass windows at the entrance. The building opens onto an outdoor plaza that displays a sculpture by Henry Moore.
The library was completed in 1969, replacing an earlier building from 1903 that had been funded by the Carnegie Foundation. The new structure was needed as the growing city required more space for collections and services.
The building serves as a gathering place where residents come to read, study, and participate in community events together. People use the spaces to learn, work alone, or spend time with others in a welcoming environment.
Visitors can approach the building via open walkways and find space to sit or relax on the adjoining plaza. Inside, the layout is straightforward, making it easy to find books, computers, and other resources without confusion.
The building was designed by renowned architect I.M. Pei, who shaped it to harmonize visually with the adjacent First Christian Church and the historic Irwin House. This thoughtful coordination shows how contemporary architecture can work alongside older structures.
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