Today’s public libraries are one of our community’s most underutilized institutions. Your free membership card gets everyone in the family access to numerous books, programs, and classes in a warm, supportive environment. So spend some time getting to know your Westerville, Ohio’s branch. Here’s a sneak peek at what it has to offer.

Children’s Activities

A child enjoys a book at the public library in Westerville, Illinois

“Libraries” licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0 via Flickr by CityofStPete

Public libraries are a terrific place for parents like you to find engaging programs for children of all ages. Discover the Imagination Station. Staff located this interactive display in the children’s area and regularly transform this themed exhibit to entertain and educate young visitors. Your kids are encouraged to play with the toys and games while learning skills like sharing and problem-solving. Previous displays have included a post office and farmers market.

You’ll also find many interesting online resources, like Dial a Story. You can play a pre-recorded story on your smartphone and entertain your children anywhere, like the doctor’s office. There are also live-streamed storytimes where your preschoolers can learn rhymes, sing songs, and listen to librarians read various entertaining tales.

Learn Something New

Whether you’re looking for something fun to do or do you want to learn a new skill, your Westerville library offers classes on a variety of topics. For example, adults can learn all about wines or how to make a stunning cheese platter for your holiday table. Grandparents can learn about creative writing in the senior’s class or join a poetry discussion.

Tweens ages 11 and up can stop by after school and pick up free activities in the children’s center. Past projects included DIY cocoa bombs. What better way to snuggle up with a good book than with a warm, creamy mug of hot cocoa you made yourself? There are also educational programs like STEAM Experiments.

E-Books And E-Readers

While your library does feature row after row of traditional paperback and hardcover books, it also offers an extensive collector of modern e-books. Today’s branches expanded their offerings to include digital copies of almost every printed book, even magazines. If you’re not sure what stories to start with, ask your librarian for help. They know which titles are the best for your new readers, and they can recommend something captivating for you.

You’ll be able to download reading material for that summer family road trip, and it’s a convenient way to ensure your home library stays up to date with your favorite authors’ new works. If you don’t own an e-reader, your branch can loan you one.

Seasonal Reading Programs

Most children need help staying on track with academic reading goals. That’s why your Westerville library offers seasonal reading programs for readers at every level. They can spend the long school breaks reading their favorite titles while earning prizes along the way. These programs keep children engaged with learning through themed activities, games, and events. Register the kiddos for the winter session in December and the Summer program in May.

Digital Entertainment

Here’s a news flash: your library stocks so much for than merely books. Check out new release DVDs, CDs, and even your children’s favorite video games. Also, browse all music genres from artists like Billy Idol, Steve Perry, and Panic! At the Disco. Music is the perfect way to stay entertained on your long commute to work.

Save a few dollars over a rental and borrow a DVD from your Westerville public library. This free service is another way to trim your family’s entertainment budget. So pop a bowl of corn and meet the kiddos on the couch for movie night. You can even kick the cable habit and check out entire DVD box sets that feature all the seasons of your family’s favorite TV shows, too.

Computers and Printers

Your Westerville library card also comes with access to the computer lab. Here you and the kids can use both Microsoft Windows and Apple Mac computers, plus the popular Microsoft Office Suite. Whether you need to print, copy, scan, or fax, you can get it all done at this branch.

The Adaptive Technology Station for kids and teens provides patrons with a station to browse the internet, watch movies, or listen to music. You can also check out equipment like headphones, power cords, memory card readers, and a mouse if you forgot yours at home. Take advantage of :

  • Audio and video editing software.
  • Photo editing programs.
  • Scanning photos and documents.
  • Web page authoring.
  • Desktop publishing software.

Innovation Lab

Westerville residents like you can now bring your ideas to life at your library’s Innovation Lab. This department offers high school students and adults a variety of hardware, software, and accessories to create a seemingly endless number of digital projects. Create your next passion project, gain a competitive edge for your business venture, or finish a homework assignment when you discover these emerging technologies. With Innovation Lab, you can:

  • Record a song.
  • Create a video game.
  • Print a poster.
  • Design a virtual tour.
  • Edit video footage.
  • Explore virtual reality.
  • Create an app.
  • Print a 3D object.

Recycle at the Library

Another incredible perk your local branch offers is recycling services. The staff at the library partners with various local and national organizations to support their missions. You can drop off household items inside the library’s main entrance and give back to your community with programs and organizations like WARM, the Westerville Lions Club, the Boy Scouts, and SmartRecycle. If you’re not sure what to donate, ask the staff at the welcome desk or stick to this list:

  • Books.
  • Cell phones.
  • Non-perishable food.
  • Eyeglasses.
  • Inkjet and toner printer cartridges.
  • Personal hygiene items.
  • U.S. flags.

There you go! Crème de la Crème put together this guide to your library. Westerville residents get much more from this steadfast establishment than just great reading materials. What does your family love about our local library? Let us know, and we’ll be sure to add it to our list so we can share your ideas with other Ohio parents.