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Old Worthington Library
Neighborhood: Worthington
820 High Street
Worthington, OH 43085
(614) 807-2626
820 High Street
Worthington, OH 43085
(614) 807-2626
- Hours:
Mon-Thu. 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Fri-Sat. 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sun. 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
4 reviews for Old Worthington Library
As a student in a Master's of Library Science program, it would be logical to assume that I would thoroughly enjoy visiting and studying in libraries. If that were correct, then the Old Worthington library would be a delight. The primary reading room is a beautiful, open area with comfortable chairs, tables, sofas, loveseats, coffee tables, lamps, and a fireplace -- just like a big grand living room lined with bookcases and glorious new books all along the perimeter. There is free wi-fi, and outlets galore along the floor, under the tables, and even on the lamps.
Therefore, it is excruciatingly ironic that I have no attention span whatsoever for studying in libraries. Despite arriving at libraries laden with textbooks, my laptop, and plenty of time in which to cram information into my brain, I can't seem to focus on studying in the library. I am constantly distracted by the flow of patrons in and out of the stacks, glancing over at the book displays, the quiet murmur of librarians answering questions, the very flipping of pages in books and newspapers.
It's so aggravating, especially in such a lovely setting as this library. I mean, who else do you know who can study in a mall, but not a library?
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If there is one thing that Columbus is known for doing well, it should be their libraries. From the nationally renowned Columbus Metropolitan Library to local community libraries, I have consistently found them to be quality.
The Worthington Libraries are no exception, named by Library Journal as the 2007 library of the year. The architecture of the building itself is aesthetically pleasing with its peaks and arched windows. Those arched windows, which are plentiful, let in a lot of light, making it good for reading and morale. Space is wide open, allowing you to breathe and roam freely. The true blue carpet is subdued enough to not be wild but far from dull. I give many props for the abundance of comfy seating to sit, relax and read a book, even by a working fireplace! The layout is well set up and easy to maneuver with signs everywhere pointing you which way to go. Murals of Worthington can be found on the walls throughout, expressing the library's pride in its city heritage.
Proof of that pride can be found on the lower level. Ohio history information is available but there is also the Worthington Room, devoted to the history of the city. There you can find almanacs, encyclopedias, history books, new to ancient phone books, Worthington Kilbourne High School yearbooks, and even novels by Worthington authors. I also give props for the book themed furniture in the room!
I like the children's area, the entrance easily marked by the tree with characters from Christopher Robins Acres within its branches. Inside, there are many stacks as well as a toddler play and reading area that is made to look like a medieval village with a castle and a dragon poking its head overtop the wall, and thatched houses.
The youth section is inviting and conducive to group study with its brightly colored carpet with geometric shapes and abstract yet comfy looking chairs and couches in a closed off room. Not to mention the extensive stacks of literature.
Activities are also a big thing at this library. Classes are offered, from business to self defense to book discussions. February by the Fire brings musical entertainment on Friday afternoons to be enjoyed by the cozy fireplace.
Worthington Libraries is a separate system but shares catalogs with the Columbus Metropolitan Libraries. You can obtain a Worthington Library card or Columbus Metro is accepted also.
Lastly, if there's anything you need to know, feel free to ask the staff. They're quite friendly but also very knowledgeable about their award-winning library.
Columbus has such a great library system and Worthington's main branch can hold its own, but I do agree that Upper Arlington and Grandview have a slight edge on Worthington. This is not to say it isn't a nice library, because it really is. The staff has always been very helpful and the holdings (more so the books, and not the audio-visual) are pretty extensive.
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Worthington's Library system, though loosely connected with Columbus', is an independent one. There are three separate branches around the northern suburb.
The main library, called Old Worthington Library, is modern and well-stocked. It does better than any branch of the Columbus system (other than the main location) in that respect. However, the library can't compete with other city-bound independent libraries like Upper Arlington and Grandview.
Perhaps I am spoiled by Grandview, but I was particularly disappointed in the A/V section. There were a few racks of CDs and DVDs but nothing approaching the room-filling bounty of Grandview's A/V.
The atmosphere of the facility isn't particularly conducive to relaxing and thumbing through some books. Again, I must be spoiled.
The Worthington Library does deserve points for its stellar kids' and young adult's sections. Three rooms are filled with books, magazines, computers and even chairs for reading. It's very cool. The rest of the library could take a cue!
History
Established in 1803
Worthington Libraries was founded in 1803, just weeks after founder James Kilbourne arrived in Worthington, Ohio, clearly indicating the early settlers' commitment to education and learning. Named Library of the Year in 2007 by Library Journal and Thomson Gale Publishing, Worthington Libraries has continued to serve the community for more than 200 years.