Announcement
March 6, 2024 – The Westerville Public Library will gain access to 3.9 million additional items by joining the Central Library Consortium (CLC) in late 2024. Community members will enjoy expanded and easy access to library collections from 17 neighboring libraries throughout Central Ohio, including the Columbus Metropolitan Library and Worthington Libraries.
“Expanding access is a priority for the Westerville Public Library. When we surveyed our community in 2022, one of the top requests was to be able to borrow from and return items to neighboring libraries.
With this change, patrons will gain access to a collection 21 times larger than our current collection. This will also mean shorter wait times for new and popular items, and convenient access to a family of libraries within driving distance of Westerville.” says Erin Francoeur, Executive Director of the Westerville Public Library
A shared catalog and cooperative lending agreements will make finding or discovering items even easier. A typical request for available items from other libraries will arrive within 2-3 days. Other benefits will include hold and reminder notices that feature upcoming events and popular services and more options for managing your library account via phone.
This change brings with it significant cost savings and will allow for increased staff efficiency.
“By joining CLC, we will be able to free up money and staff time to focus on high-priority projects to benefit our community,” shares Steven Owley, Operations Director
The Westerville Public Library will remain fines free. Most services, amenities, digital collections, research tools, and library-hosted events will remain the same. The library’s service district and funding structure will also remain the same.
All Ohio residents are welcome to apply for a library card.
FAQ
What benefits can I expect?
- You will gain 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 will feature upcoming events and popular services.
- You’ll have more options for managing your library account via phone.
- Your library will be able to allocate more money and staffing towards high-value projects and services to benefit the community.
Which libraries will I be able to 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.
Will I have to wait longer to get items?
No. You will 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.
When will this new service be available?
This change will take place in late 2024. An exact date has not yet been determined.
There will be a short period during the transition where you will have limited access to your account information and the collection.
Does this mean the Westerville Public Library is merging with the Columbus Metropolitan Library?
No. The Westerville Public Library will remain an independent library with the same service district and funding structure. The main change is that the Westerville Public Library will share physical collections (books, movies, music) with 17 neighboring libraries via a shared catalog.
What will stay the same?
The Westerville Public Library will remain fines free. Most services, amenities, digital collections, research tools, and library-hosted events will remain the same. The library’s service district and funding structure will also remain the same. You will still be able to borrow from other Ohio libraries through SearchOhio and OhioLINK.
About the Central Library Consortium
The Central Library Consortium (CLC) is a group of libraries in central Ohio that share resources. Founded in 1988 with four libraries, the CLC will now include 18 independent library systems in seven counties serving more than 1.8 million residents.
The CLC, with its 35-year history, represents a strategic partnership among library systems that share resources, technology, and expertise while maintaining their independence.
