The Upper Arlington Public Library‘s main library is a spacious building with a stunning, light filled atrium. The Library Journal places the system at its highest ranking of five stars, a designation Director Chris Taylor credits to the libraries’ staff. With an average employee tenure of nine years, the team of 116 employees and over 120 volunteers champions the library’s mission to explore, gather and grow.
UAPL offers groundbreaking services. Listen Columbus, launching this October, will be an amazing resource to explore local musicians, stream their music and even download. Keep up to date on all the music being added via Listen Columbus’ Twitter. UAPL is also the first library in Central Ohio to offer passport services. The service offers greater convenience by being open nights and weekends, and the comfortable library environment can’t be beat! In the six short weeks since introducing, UAPL has already helped 110 people looking to possibly do service work abroad or enjoy an exotic vacation.
UAPL collaborates with a number of community-based organizations. The Upper Arlington Author Series is a partnership between the Upper Arlington Community Foundation, Upper Arlington Rotary, Friends of the Upper Arlington Public Library and UAPL. Bill Clegg, longlisted for the National Book Award, will be speaking on October 2nd. Past notable authors include National Book Award winner, Anthony Doerr, and Caldecott Medal recipient, Paul Zelinsky (brought in partnership with Upper Arlington Schools; see our post on Windermere’s Media Center). Beyond the world-class authors UAPL helps to attract, the library also fosters aspiring authors. Through a collaboration with the Upper Arlington Cultural Arts Division and the Upper Arlington Recreation Department, UAPL is hosting an all-day writers’ conference this October 15th. One last collaborative highlight includes The Stand Project. The initiative is “focused on the prevention of substance abuse and committed to standing by students and families in finding help.” With financial support from the Upper Arlington Rotary Club, UAPL has created circulating book club kits with discussion questions featuring topics on substance abuse, mental health and more.
To better serve the community, UAPL is expanding its children’s storytime area into a flexible space. By doing so, UAPL can cost effectively provide more programing and services without new construction. UAPL is excited to unveil its multipurpose space the first week in September.
Kate Porter has been with Upper Arlington Library’s system since 1998. As assistant director, she oversees public services at all three of the system’s libraries. Kate grew a love for libraries when she was a history graduate student at the University of Delaware. A few years later, she acquired her Master of Library and Information Science degree. Kate loves being involved in various projects and looks forward to helping UAPL celebrate its upcoming 50th year.
Upper Arlington Public Library’s main branch is an incredible space with a dedicated team bringing unique programs and services to the Central Ohio community. We highly recommend visiting soon!
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