Columbus Metropolitan Library

The Wright Brothers built this Dublin home – but maybe not the ones you’re thinking of 🎡

Daniel and Charles Wright were part of the circus.

They toured all over the Midwest with a show called a “traveling menagerie” in the early 1800s. Interestingly, the brothers came from the same town as Hachaliah Bailey, whose own show would later become part of the Barnum & Bailey Circus.

Daniel Wright took on many roles to help Dublin grow, including Postmaster and Justice of the Peace. When the town needed a new schoolhouse, he built it with help from John Sells – yet another Dublin circus professional whose show would become one of the most famous in the country.

In 1876, this home was purchased by George M. Karrer. The Karrer family went on to develop deep roots in Dublin. Family members ran local businesses, served as doctors, and became involved in the local historical society. George also built a large bank barn in the 1870s, which still stands at High Street and Waterford Drive.

Nearly 150 years later, the home remains in the Karrer family: George’s great-grandson still lives there.

Two Dublin schools bear the family names: Karrer Middle School and Daniel Wright Elementary.

📸 Image courtesy Dublin (Ohio) Historical Society
📍 167 S. High St.

Real ones know 🥵

[📸 via fostershyperfixator / tumblr]

Friday is here! Are you reading something good? 😎

Starting next week, we're offering free After-School Snacks at 19 library locations thanks to Children's Hunger Alliance ➡️

If you or a loved one is without power, please remember: all library locations have free seating, A/C, WiFi, and outlets to charge your devices – no questions asked, no library card needed.

📍 See comments for detailed locations and hours.

Prehistoric Predators are in the building! 🐾

Get up close and personal with:

🐻 A 12-foot-tall giant bear
🦤 An 8-foot-tall terror bird
🦀 An 8-foot-long sea scorpion
🐺 A 7-foot-tall dire wolf
🐅 ...And a 4-foot-tall sabertooth tiger.

The interactive exhibit is free and open to all, on view in Main Library's Grand Atrium now through Oct. 29.

📍 96 S. Grant Ave.

We can't wait to see Alexis Nikole Nelson at Main Library!! 🤩

Since seating filled so quickly, we've opened 200 additional spots on the waitlist: https://events.columbuslibrary.org/event/16844097

Long before this Dublin traffic light, there was a water pump in the middle of the road ➡️

Installed in the late 1800s, the hand-operated pump operated for decades in the middle of High and Bridge streets.

It was the main source of fresh water for Dublin villagers, so it naturally became a gathering place. As they filled their buckets, they shared news and connected with one another in the close-knit community.

As automobiles replaced horses and buggies, the pump became an obstacle. A protective cement wall was added, but cars continued to collide with it.

In 1926, the pump was finally removed, and eventually replaced with a traffic light – but the corner remains a central meeting place for many Dublin residents today.

In 2012, a bronze sculpture was unveiled to honor the pump. Sculpture artist Michael Tizzano titled it “Daily Chores”, depicting a young girl and boy using the pump to collect water.

📍 1 N. High St.
📸 Photo courtesy Dublin (Ohio) Historical Society

Friday is here! What's on your reading list this weekend? 😎