Grandview Heights Public Library has been recognized as one of the best public libraries in the country by Library Journal, and based the amazing work they do for their community, it is easy to understand why. Director Ryan McDonnell and his staff are innovative and service oriented, collaborative and future thinking.
The library serves 27,000 cardholders from Grandview Heights and the greater Columbus area. Canaan Faulkner, public relations manager and adult programs/web content coordinator, describes the community as having a small town feel with metro-minded individuals.
McDonnell encourages his staff to think big and share their ideas. The commitment to innovation has led the way for exciting programs and offerings. In June of 2015, the library created and launched their pop up library. The first of its kind, it is an electric-powered mobile library which visits local festivals, markets and events. The cart features materials relevant to the event and offers visitors the option to check out books, pay fines, sign up for library cards and enjoy free Wi-Fi.
Last summer, the library began it’s wildly successful guitar lending program. Library customers can borrow guitars and learning materials. Local music store Musicology offers free classes and the Guitar House Workshop partners to provide maintenance to the instruments.
Collaboration is key to the library’s success. The library works with the city to provide free Wi-Fi at local parks, sports fields and the swimming pool. They partner with schools to support the school district’s 1:1 Computing Initiative, and a strong feeling of community support exists throughout the library. Local businesses are featured in display cases, local art hangs on the walls and partnerships with community businesses allow for special programs like the Library Foundation’s annual Chocolate Walk fundraiser.
The commitment demonstrated by Grandview Heights Public Library to serving its customers in new and exciting ways, both inside the building and beyond, is a stunning example of how public libraries can continue to act as fixtures in the communities they serve.
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