Hello Worthington! Here's your recap of what happened at the October 21 Worthington Libraries Board of Trustees meeting.
Employee Engagement Survey Shows Strong Results
The Worthington Libraries continues to build a highly engaged workforce, according to the latest Gallup employee engagement survey. Key highlights include:
- Participation rate increased from 92% to 93% (considered best-in-class)
- Engagement mean rose from 4.27 to 4.31, showing steady growth
- 67% of staff are now engaged, up from 61% last year
- Only 3% actively disengaged, remaining well below national averages
Library Director Lauren Robinson noted that nationally, only 32% of employees are engaged compared to 17% disengaged. "We are well above that, which makes me very happy. We have a workforce who works together for a common goal, which is providing library services for our community."
The library has invested significantly in employee development, including CliftonStrengths training and supervisor expectations programs. Board President Joan Herbers praised the turnaround, noting that Angela from Gallup had remarked she'd never seen such a dramatic improvement as when Robinson took over as director.
Popular Programs Continue to Draw Community
The library system hosted several successful events in September:
Storybook Ball - Over 1,000 people attended the first-ever Storybook Ball at Old Worthington Library. The event was so well-received that staff are already planning to bring it back in 2026 with new and exciting elements.
Let's Go Camping - Northwest Library hosted 122 attendees for this overnight camping event, with 70 people staying overnight.
Zoo Animal Sponsorship - Children voted through the Summer Reading Club to sponsor three zoo animals, and each library received a plush mascot:
- Old Worthington: Doug the Koala
- Worthington Park: Rosie the Gorilla
- Northwest: Blippi the Hawksbill Sea Turtle
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Library Services by the Numbers
Key performance indicators for September show continued strong usage:
- Digital circulation continues to grow
- Program attendance showed great numbers, boosted by the popular Storybook Ball
- Meeting rooms remain in high demand across all locations
- Staff are working on strategies to increase browse circulation while maintaining excellent hold fulfillment services
Looking Ahead: Building Projects and Summer Reading
The library is moving forward on planning for facility improvements, with Monica Baughman and Director Robinson meeting with attorneys to discuss next steps and necessary resolutions for building projects.
Staff also held a summer reading retreat to reimagine how the library can approach summer programming in 2026, looking at what today's community wants and how to increase participation.
Financial Update
Chief Financial Officer Jeremie Stevens reported that September finances performed as expected. Year-to-date Public Library Fund receipts are 4% higher than last year, though the library is now in the fourth quarter when spending typically exceeds monthly revenue. The library ended September with 28% cash-to-operating budget ratio.
Stevens and their team are working with all departments on the comprehensive 2026 budget document, which will be reviewed at the Finance Committee meeting on November 4th and presented to the full board in November.
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Staff Spotlight
The library welcomed Madison to the team as the new Social Media Coordinator. She started on October 20th and is already bringing fresh ideas to the library's social media presence.
Library Advocacy Update
With several pieces of library-related legislation moving through the Ohio General Assembly, Robinson is closely monitoring developments that could affect library funding and operations. She attends Ohio Library Council regional meetings for advocacy training and stays informed through subscriptions to legislative tracking services.
Multiple library levies and bond issues from libraries across Ohio will be on the November ballot, and Worthington Libraries staff are watching these results closely, particularly as discussions continue about continuing levies—the type of levies that fund Worthington Libraries.
Community Feedback
The library received numerous positive comments from community members in September, with all three locations receiving kudos for excellent customer service. One particularly adorable note from a young patron read: "Thanks for ironing my cat" (referring to a Perler bead project).
Upcoming Events
Electronics Recycling Event
Northwest Library
November 8, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Bring your old electronics for responsible recycling.
Books and Brews
Old Worthington Library
November 14, 7:00 PM
Tickets are selling quickly—52 already sold! Get yours soon.
Next Board Meeting
Worthington Park Library
November 18, 6:00 PM
The public is welcome to attend.
Thanks for reading this summary of the Worthington Libraries Board of Trustees meeting. You can watch the full meeting recordings here.