Figure Skating at Columbus Metropolitan Library
Columbus Metropolitan Library
Innovation Synopsis
The U.S. Figure Skating Championships came to Columbus January 22-28, 2024, for the first time in the sport’s history. Thousands attended the multi-day event crowning champions across figure skating disciplines, which also served as the chance to represent Team USA in the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Columbus Metropolitan Library and the Greater Columbus Sports Commission partnered in January to promote this first for central Ohio to library customers. The promotion included special events and programs, ticket giveaways and more.
Challenge/Opportunity
Visits to the library during winter months fluctuate, so the partnership was an opportunity for library staff to develop programs and displays related to figure skating and other winter sports to entice customers to visit and check out library resources.
The partnership had several primary goals, including:
- Create a meaningful partnership with one of Columbus’ premier organizations.
- Drive visits to all library locations
- Provide access to and awareness of this first-time event.
Key Elements of Innovation
CML celebrated and promoted this historic first-time sporting event with special events, in addition to messaging through multiple channels: digital, earned media, events, print and in-branch displays.
The commission sent several figure skating-related items to Main Library for display, including hand-painted skates and dresses worn in competitions.
The library purchased and installed a synthetic ice rink in Main Library, naming it “Sockefeller Center”. Families could ‘skate’ on the ice rink in their socks. The ice rink received significant media attention and garnered a significant bump in visits to Main Library. In addition, each of CML’s 23 locations hosted a raffle for customers to win tickets to one of the week’s championship competitions.
During championship weekend, Main Library hosted two iconic figure skating champions for free author talks: Gracie Gold discussed her memoir, and Nancy Kerrigan read her children’s book. Our Children’s dept. also held a special Storytime.
Achieved Outcomes
CML and the Greater Columbus Sports Commission’s strategic partnership welcoming and promoting the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Columbus was a resounding success.
In addition to consistent and increased visits throughout January from young customers and families skating on the synthetic sock-skating rink, the library also received inquiries from other libraries and organizations about how and where we acquired the rink.
Engaged and excited fans visited Main Library for the Gracie Gold and Nancy Kerrigan author talks, approx. 200 and 500 customers respectively. The Marketing & Communications team coordinated all promotion and day-of event logistics for both programs.
The Columbus Dispatch and all local TV stations heavily featured “Sockefeller Center,” the Gracie Gold and Nancy Kerrigan author programs and our involvement in helping to promote the U.S. Figure Skating Championships.
