Frequently Asked Questions

You can borrow from or return most items - including books, audiobooks, movies, and music albums - to these 17 neighboring libraries:

• 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
• Worthington Libraries
• more options

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

I want a library card! How do I get one? Read the below information carefully. When you're ready, select this button: I agree. You will be prompted to fill out an application which acts as a contract. Once you submit the application, bring your photo ID to the Welcome Desk.

We will contact you within 1 week with your new library card number if you have not yet stopped by to receive your physical card. You'll be able to use this number to gain access to thousands of digital resources, including ebooks, streaming movies, training courses, and more.

To receive your library card, you need to:

• Be an Ohio resident
• Show your government-issued photo ID
• Show proof of your current address (if not listed on ID)
• Bring your parent or guardian with you (for minors under 18 only)

It is your responsibility to:

• Be financially responsible for items borrowed with this card.
• Keep your account up to date with correct contact information.
• Monitor the items your child selects and checks out on this card.
• Report a lost or stolen card immediately. (You are solely responsible for items borrowed on your card until you report it lost or stolen.)

I agree

Note: This application is a contract, and is for new cards only. If you need to renew or replace your library card, please visit the Welcome Desk.

Your library card number is located below the barcode on the back of your physical library card.

If you've temporarily misplaced or lost your library card, request your library card number via this form.

By default, your PIN is the last four digits of your phone number. You can change this at any time for additional security.

To change your PIN to a 4 to 8-digit number of your choice, follow these instructions:

• In person, bring your library card or picture ID to any service desk
• By phone, have your library card number and full name available. Then call 614-882-7277 option 2.
• Online, fill out this form. (Note: This option is only available if you have an email address on file with the library.)

You can return most items - including books, audiobooks, movies, and music albums - to the library 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

• Return slot by the drive-thru window, on the north side of the library
• Return bins in the covered parking area
• Welcome desk in the atrium (during open hours)
• Return bins at Blendon Township Community Senior Center, serviced once a day, Monday-Friday. (6330 S. Hempstead Rd.)
• Return bins at 17 neighboring libraries (excluding Community Library of Sunbury)

Westerville City School students and teachers can return items to their school's drop-off point. Learn more.

Note: Due to size, cost, or complexity, some items must be returned inside the Westerville Public Library (Uptown branch). A tag on the item will reflect these exceptions. 

August 1-November 15 – SearchOhio will be unavailable during upgrade. Learn more.

Yes, you may borrow items for free from many Ohio libraries.

• To request items from 17 neighboring libraries, search here.
• To request items from other public libraries in Ohio via SearchOhio, search here.
• To request items from Ohio's college and university libraries via OhioLINK, search here.

You can use your Westerville Library card to make requests and check out items. Most items will arrive within a week and you will receive a notification when they are ready to pick up. 

August 1-November 15 – SearchOhio will be unavailable during upgrade. Learn more.

If we do not own an item, you may be able to borrow it from another library.

Borrow Now

• Limit: Up to 75 items simultaneously requested, checked out or returned through SearchOhio or OhioLINK
• Loan Period: 21 days (printed items, audiobooks, music), 7 days (movies)*
• Lost Items: $25 (once 30+ days overdue)
• Overdue Fines: $0
• Pickup: Within 10 days
• Renewals: Up to 3 times (when eligible)
• Shipment: Usually within 5-7 days

*Loan periods for all other materials may vary depending on the rules of the lending institution. Refer to your receipt or view your online account.

This interlibrary loan service takes place through SearchOhio, a consortium of public libraries throughout Ohio.

Your items will automatically renew up to 4 times (when eligible). The system will attempt to renew your borrowed item two days before the due date.