Westerville Library joins Central Library Consortium in 2024.

As of November 18, 2024, you receive the following benefits because your library has joined the Central Library Consortium.

• 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 CLC member libraries. 
• On average, you will experience shorter wait times for new and popular items.  
• Your hold and reminder notices feature upcoming events and popular services. 
• You’ll have more options for managing your library account via phone. 
• Your library is now able to allocate more money and staffing towards high-value projects and services to benefit the community. 
  

Which libraries can I borrow from and return to?  

Starting in late 2024 - Alexandria Public Library, Bexley Public Library, Columbus Metropolitan Library, Delaware County District Library, Fairfield County District Library, Grandview Heights Public Library, Granville Public Library Association, London Public Library, Marysville Public Library, Pataskala Public Library, Pickaway County District Library, Pickerington Public Library, Plain City Public Library, Southwest Public Libraries, Upper Arlington Public Library, Wagnalls Memorial Library, and Worthington Libraries.  

Some exceptions may apply. Different rules/fees may apply to items checked out at neighboring libraries. Examples: due dates, renewals, replacement fees, etc.

You will need a Westerville Public Library card to access some research databases, borrow a laptop, place orders for 3D and custom printing, or borrow some unique items in the Westerville Public Library collection. 

Can I return my Columbus, Delaware, or Worthington items at the Westerville Public Library?  

Yes! You can return items borrowed from any of the 17 neighboring libraries listed above here.  

Can I use my Columbus, Delaware, or Worthington library card at the Westerville Public Library?  

Yes! You can borrow items here using a library card from any of the 17 neighboring libraries listed above.  

Note: You will need a Westerville Public Library card to access some research databases, borrow a laptop, place orders for 3D and custom printing, or borrow some unique items in the Westerville Public Library collection.   

Can I use my Westerville Public Library card at Columbus, Delaware, or Worthington Libraries?  

Yes, with some limitations. Check with staff at the neighboring library for details.  

Why did my place in the hold queue change?  

You have priority when placing holds on items owned by the Westerville Public Library. If you place a hold on an item owned by another library, the owning library’s patrons will receive priority over you.   

Does this mean the Westerville Public Library has merged with the Columbus Metropolitan Library?

No. The Westerville Public Library remains an independent library with the same service district and funding structure. The main change is that the Westerville Public Library now shares physical collections (books, movies, music) with 17 neighboring libraries via a shared catalog.

What will stay the same? 

The Westerville Public Library remains fines free. Most services, amenities, digital collections, research tools, and library-hosted events remain the same. The library’s service district and funding structure also remains the same. You are still able to borrow from other Ohio libraries through SearchOhio and OhioLINK.  

Can I still suggest a purchase?  

Yes! The Westerville Public Library is still committed to building a collection that meets the needs of our unique community and will still accept suggestions for purchase.  

Can I still request items through SearchOhio or OhioLINK?   

Yes! You will still be able to borrow from other Ohio libraries through SearchOhio and OhioLINK.   

Can I still manage my account via text message?  

Yes and no. The system we were using before is no longer supported. You can still receive text messages about your items on hold and due dates for your borrowed items. However, you can no longer renew items or receive a list of your borrowed items via text message. We hope to make improvements to this service in the future.  

What else should I know?   

Different rules/fees may apply to items checked out at neighboring libraries. Examples: due dates, renewals, replacement fees, etc.  

Why did the Westerville Library decide to join CLC now?   

During the 2023-2028 strategic planning process, joining the Central Library Consortium (CLC) was identified as a significant growth opportunity and a comprehensive community survey revealed strong support for this change. Many factors were considered when making this decision, including cost savings, patron convenience, and technological capabilities.