Worthington Libraries
Out of more than 7,000 libraries that are evaluated annually, Worthington Libraries is one of only 10 libraries in the country to have received a five-star rating in every Index of Public Library Service published by Library Journal.
The library’s commitment to customer service and interest in emerging trends has helped it maintain its five-star status. The staff creates unique services to meet the varying needs of patrons. In addition to traditional library services, Worthington Libraries offers many non-traditional services.
Patrons who are avid movie watchers can check out Binge Boxes. Binge Boxes are a collection of movies centered on a theme, such as Girl Power, Movies of the ‘70s, Marvel Movies, and movies Based on Books.
Another unique item offered by Worthington Libraries are GoChip Beams, a wireless hotspot for watching TV and movies anytime, anywhere, on any device, even without internet. Each GoChip Beam holds five movies or one season of a television show. It’s a great way to catch up on entertainment you have missed!
Adventure Kits give adults a safe way to add some adventure to their lives and reestablish a love of learning through exploration. There are Adventure Kits for sewing, bird watching, camping, and road tripping to name a few. Each kit contains all of the materials needed to explore a topic fully. For example, the sewing kit contains a sewing machine and the camping kit includes a tent.
Worthington Libraries is not merely concerned with the entertainment needs of patrons. Their collection also includes some very practical items. Patrons can check out Auto Code Readers and Portable Jump Starters. Cbus Libraries Director Desiree Thomas had to check out both of these handy items during an unexpected dead battery incident.
In addition to circulating items, the adult services staff at Worthington Libraries offers passport acceptance and notary services. Because the Library is open evenings and weekends, patrons can access these services at times beyond traditional business hours.
The services offered by the children’s staff go far beyond story times and Homework Help Center programs. Each April, the Library partners with “Bring the Farm to You” to hatch baby chicks. Children learn about the life cycle of chickens and can submit a name for each chick. The kids get so excited to see the chicks hatch and for the opportunity to hold or pet them.
During the month of May, the children’s area becomes home to Monarch butterflies. Monarch caterpillars are found on the milkweed plants that grow around the library. They are brought into the children’s department where enthusiastic little ones get to watch the metamorphoses. Watching the Monarchs get released into the world is one of the most exciting programs for the library’s young patrons.
Youth services staff create wonderful programs for their tweens. The Scratch Jr. program gives tweens an opportunity to learn how to program their own interactive stories and games using the Scratch Jr. coding program.
Coding Camp gives tweens the opportunity to investigate the magical world of coding! This week-long camp gives students a chance to fully engage with the art of coding. Each day, they learn about a new coding topic and get to practice building their coding skills.
Worthington Libraries services extend beyond its physical buildings. A Worthington Libraries library card grants patrons access to databases they can use from home. Teen patrons can use the “drivetest.org” database to practice for their temporary licenses. Patrons have remote access, through the use of their library card, to several databases. Lynda.com, an online training database, provides the opportunity to learn new skills from the comfort of home. Powerspeak Languages and Mango Languages lets patrons learn a new language at their own pace. Patrons can also use Learning Express Libraries to prepare for a new career, take practice GED, ACT, and TOEFL tests.
This is only a small snapshot of the work this library does. Worthington Libraries is truly full of surprises.
About The Author
