Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: See what’s new inside Columbus’ just-opened Barnett library branch.

You won't want to miss Service Bar December Cocktail Class on the Columbus Patch calendar

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Wednesday December 17th Patch AM
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Hi Columbus! We have the latest buzz right here. Let's keep you in the loop and get this morning started right! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • See what’s new inside Columbus’ just-opened Barnett library branch.
  • How Columbus is expanding winter warming shelters before the next deep freeze
  • Why did Columbus school board fully reinstate Brandon Simmons now?

Also on today's calendar: Service Bar December Cocktail Class and 9 more events.

Find out what's happening in Columbusfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

📸 Have a great pic of holiday decorations from around Columbus? Post it to Columbus photos of the day! ☃️ 🟢-🟠-🟣-🔴-🟡-🔵 ☃️

Today's riddle: The doctor told me to drink carrot juice after a hot bath. - Did it help? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Find out what's happening in Columbusfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, with a high of 43 and low of 29 degrees.
  • Thursday: Becoming windier; p.m. rain, temps: high: 53, low: 24.
  • Friday: Windy and much colder, with a high of 28 and low of 23 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Columbus Metro Library opens Barnett Branch, more to come in 2026 (dispatch.com) — Columbus Metropolitan Library’s newly renovated Barnett Branch on E. Livingston Avenue is now open, offering expanded space, study rooms, and a larger children’s area for nearby neighborhoods. In January, new or revamped branches in Canal Winchester and Linden will debut, while plans for a West Case branch are paused amid financial uncertainty tied to possible property tax changes.
   

2. Columbus City Council funds cold weather warming centers (spectrumnews1.com) — Columbus City Council has approved $2.3 million to expand winter warming shelters, including a new overflow center opening Dec. 29 at Westgate United Methodist Church on the West Side. The Community Shelter Board will coordinate with libraries, recreation centers, churches, and other nonprofits to offer daytime and overnight options during extreme cold. Residents needing a warm place can call the Homeless Hotline at 614-274-7000.
   

3. Columbus school board removes censure on member Brandon Simmons (dispatch.com) — Columbus City Schools has lifted its censure on board member Brandon Simmons, restoring his full participation after months of controversy over a leaked strategy document. The unanimous Dec. 16 vote ends restrictions on his access to district property and communication with colleagues. Simmons says he’s focused on serving the district’s 47,000 students as the board moves into 2026.
   

4. DeWine offers update on Ohio's literacy initiatives (nbc4i.com) — From Columbus, Gov. Mike DeWine is pushing hard to ensure every Ohio school and university uses the evidence-based “science of reading” approach, banning older methods like three-cueing. An audit found 10 universities, including Ohio State, still had outdated practices, but they’ve pledged to comply before a 2026 recheck that could revoke their education programs.
   

5. OSU women's basketball aims to extend winning streak against Norfolk State on Thursday (abc6onyourside.com) — Ohio State’s women’s basketball team in Columbus is riding a seven-game win streak and aims to keep it going Thursday night against Norfolk State to close non-conference play. The young Buckeyes are emphasizing defense and full 40-minute intensity as they prepare for a tough Big Ten slate, including a marquee matchup with No. 4 UCLA later this month.
   

📸 Around Columbus

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Columbus

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

📣 Columbus Shout Outs!

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Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • FOUND DOG
    Cross-posted on PetFBI, Facebook, Pawboost, Ring No collar, no microchip. LOCATION: On Leonard Ave near Taylor Ave, off 670E near Ohio State… (Nextdoor Victorian Village)
  • A group of us went to the Rev coffee and pastry shop(sandwiches also)in Hilliard on Cemetary rd in front of Aldi’s.
    This coffee shop is own by a remarkable young woman Sarah. She has a can do attitude and great customer relations! They have their own pastry chef… (Nextdoor The Gables)
  • Oracle posted a job opening for Delivery Manager (Individual Contributor) - NetSuite ACS (Products Team) in Columbus. Apply here.
  • SP Plus Corporation posted a job opening for Maintenance Porter - Driving in Columbus. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Columbus here.

Ok Columbus! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don’t know. I can never finish drinking the hot bath!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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