🍎 Free After-School Snacks Now Available Across Columbus Library Branches

Nourishment, Learning, and Community, All in One Place

The Columbus Metropolitan Library, in partnership with Children’s Hunger Alliance, is offering free after-school snacks for children ages 1–18 at multiple library branches across the city.

This initiative ensures that children have access to nutritious food after school hours — supporting learning, focus, and wellbeing. It’s part of an ongoing effort to make libraries not just centers for reading, but safe, welcoming spaces where children can grow and thrive.

No Registration, No Fees, Just Show Up

Every weekday and Saturday, children can stop by any participating branch during the snack hours listed below.
No registration, proof of income, or documentation is required, simply visit, relax, and refuel.

Participating Branches & Snack Times

Barnett Branch – 3227 E. Livingston Ave. (Temporary)
Mon–Fri: 3:30–4:30 p.m. | Sat: 2:30–3 p.m.

Driving Park Branch – 1422 E. Livingston Ave.
Mon–Sat: 4:15–4:45 p.m.

Franklinton Branch – 1061 W. Town St.
Mon–Fri: 3:30–4 p.m. | Sat: 12:15–12:45 p.m.

Hilltop Branch – 511 S. Hague Ave.
Mon–Fri: 3:15–3:45 p.m. | Sat: 2:15–2:45 p.m.

Karl Road Branch – 5590 Karl Rd.
Mon–Fri: 4:15–4:45 p.m. | Sat: 2:15–2:45 p.m.

Linden Branch – 1990 Jefferson Ave. (Temporary)
Mon–Sat: 4–4:30 p.m.

Main Library – 96 S. Grant Ave.
Mon–Fri: 3:15–3:45 p.m.

Martin Luther King Branch – 1467 E. Long St.
Mon–Sat: 3:45–4:45 p.m.

Northern Lights Branch – 4093 Cleveland Ave.
Mon–Sat: 3:30–4:30 p.m.

Northside Branch – 1423 N. High St.
Mon–Fri: 4:15–4:45 p.m. | Sat: 2:15–2:45 p.m.

Parsons Branch – 1113 Parsons Ave.
Mon–Sat: 4–4:45 p.m.

Reynoldsburg Branch – 1402 Brice Rd.
Mon–Sat: 4:15–4:45 p.m.

Shepard Branch – 850 N. Nelson Rd.
Mon–Fri: 4:15–4:45 p.m. | Sat: 2:15–2:45 p.m.

South High Branch – 3540 S. High St.
Mon–Sat: 4–5 p.m.

Southeast Branch – 3980 S. Hamilton Rd.
Mon–Fri: 4:15–4:45 p.m. | Sat: 2:15–2:45 p.m.

Whitehall Branch – 4445 E. Broad St.
Mon–Sat: 4–4:30 p.m.

Why This Program Matters

Access to consistent nutrition is vital to a child’s ability to learn, concentrate, and thrive.
For many families, this free snack initiative provides crucial support during the after-school hours — when hunger often sets in and resources can be limited.

By combining learning, nutrition, and community engagement, Columbus Metropolitan Library is building a model of child-friendly spaces where no child is left hungry or unattended.

Learn More

Visit columbuslibrary.org for details, updates, and other family-friendly programs.

Let’s continue building a city where every child can learn well, eat well, and live well.