Accessibility Tools & Assistive Technology

FAQs

• Where can I find library policies and reports?

  • Employee Handbook
  • Public Services Policy Manual (includes Statement of Concern form)
  • Strategic Plan
  • Terms of Use for Historic Photographs
  • Other Policies & Reports

• How do I choose books for my child?

  Helping your child find appropriate reading material requires your guidance and continued support. When choosing books for your child, take into consideration the following:

  • Pick up a book and have your child flip through the first few pages. Oftentimes, your child can tell you if there is too much text or if the words are too big.
  • Consider your child's two or three favorite books. Compare other books by this standard. Feel free to pick up a few that are slightly easier and slightly harder than their favorite titles!
  • Determine whether the subject matter is appropriate for your child's age and/or maturity level. Are they ready to learn about concepts such as manners, math, war or sexuality?
  • Choose books that will keep your child's interest. Are they bored by trucks and fascinated by dinosaurs? Try to choose materials that will make your child excited to read!

• I'm trying to find a book for my child. What do these library terms mean?

  • Audiobooks on CD, Preloaded Audiobooks on MP3, and Digital Audiobooks: These are recordings of books being narrated aloud. These are good alternatives for reluctant readers. Available titles usually mirror titles found within the juvenile fiction, juvenile non-fiction and teen sections.
  • Board Books: For infants and toddlers. The content ranges from basic concepts to simple stories. Board books are made of hard cardboard, a durable choice for babies who are developing hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.
  • Bookpacks: These are books paired with audiobooks. These are good alternatives for reluctant readers. 
    
  • Picture Books: These are typically 32 pages long with illustrations that are integral to the story. These are often meant to be read aloud while the listener pores over the pictures. This collection includes alphabet and counting books.
    
  • Readalongs: These are books with written text (and sometimes illustrations) paired with audio narration. Readalongs help readers match sounds to written words. Perfect for travelers, reluctant readers, and English learners.
  • Readers: These are books with limited vocabulary and purposely placed illustrations to help decode words. They are designed to be friendly for those learning to read on their own.
  • Graphic Novels: These are stories told in illustrated panels and texts, including comic books and are great for building visual literacy skills. Graphic novels are captivating and provide extra support through imagery to help kids understand the text. 
    
  • Juvenile First Chapter Books: For young readers ready to move from readers into chapter books. Characterized by having slightly larger print, more pictures and shorter chapters than books for older readers.
  • Juvenile Fiction: For 2nd graders to 5th/6th graders. This is a collection of novels for children, often called chapter books. Note: The main difference between juvenile fiction and teen fiction is subject matter, not reading difficulty.
  • Juvenile Non-Fiction & Biographies: For toddlers to teens. There is something for everyone in non-fiction! Be sure to flip through these books to gauge difficulty, and let your child pick out subjects that sound interesting. This collection includes fairy tales, folklore & poetry.
  • Juvenile Magazines: For babies through tweens. Magazines are a great way to get reluctant readers on board! Subjects range from nature to popular culture to sports and humor.
  • Tablets for Kids: These tablets are pre-Loaded with learning apps, games, videos, and more. (Sometimes referred to as Playaway Launchpads.)

• Can I change my contact information & preferences?

  If you need to update your contact information on file with the library, contact us.

  Alternatively, you can update some information (like email address, username, PIN, phone number, or notification preference) via your online account.

  1. Log into your account.*
  2. Go to My Settings.
  3. Choose the desired option(s) from this menu: Account Information.

  * Trouble logging in? View these instructions.

• What are the benefits of the Westerville Public Library joining the Central Library Consortium?

  In late 2024, the Westerville Public Library became a member of the Central Library Consortium.

  • You now have access to an additional 3.9 million items. (That’s a 2059% increase!) 
  • You can pick up and return items owned by other libraries to the Westerville Public Library.  
  • You can return items borrowed from the Westerville Public Library at any of the 17 member libraries. 
  • On average, you will experience shorter wait times for new and popular items.  
  • Your hold and reminder notices now feature upcoming events and popular services. 
  • You now have more options for managing your library account via phone. 
  • Your library can now allocate more money and staffing towards high-value projects and services to benefit the community.