It is notable for its design of red brick with concrete details and its Library Plaza, an urban space punctuated by the sculpture, "Large Arch" by Henry Moore.

In 1899 a library in the county first began occupying two rooms inside the original Columbus City Hall at the southwest corner of Fifth and Franklin Streets.

In 1966 a rented space was acquired on the town square and in 1998 a dedicated branch was opened that was designed by Deborah Berke & Partners Architects.

The project was funded by a $1 million bond and donations from the community,[4] including an $800,000 grant from Cummins Engine Foundation.

From the beginning, the intention of the library and the plaza was to transform this part of the city so that it would positively affect the surrounding area and encourage residents to stay downtown.

[6] The completion of this project also meant the demolition of the old library building and the closure of Lafayette Avenue between fifth and sixth.

"[7] Brick was used as the primary building material for the library, and as a traditional load bearing masonry system; concrete and limestone is used as detailed elements.

The ceiling is a coffered concrete system with deep inset square elements that contain light fixtures.

Columbus-based architect James K. Paris of Architect Group, Inc. was chosen to make an addition to the back of the building in order to add the "Indiana Room," which houses books relating to Columbus, Bartholomew County, the State of Indiana, and family history; it also added room for the fiction collection and reference section.