Hello Worthington! Here's your recap of the March 17, 2026 Worthington Libraries Board of Trustees meeting. Below are the biggest topics from the meeting. For those interested in the full details, we've included links to longer articles where appropriate.
Library projecting cash shortfall in 2028–2029; CFO recommends 2027 levy
CFO Jeremie Stevens brought a seven-year financial forecast to the board showing the library is heading for a cash crunch in 2028 or 2029 — and it doesn't much matter whether spending is aggressive or conservative. Both scenarios she modeled hit the same trouble window. Stevens formally recommended the board start planning a levy campaign for November 2027, with levy language written so the library would receive funds "retroactively", getting the funds in 2028 instead of 2029. She also ran through the risks that could move up the timeline: aging building mechanicals, state funding that's now a line-item appropriation instead of statute, and active legislative efforts to reform or eliminate Ohio property taxes entirely.
In Other Library News
Facilities planning moves forward. The board voted unanimously (7-0) to authorize library leadership to seek architect qualifications for building design work at all three branches — Old Worthington, Northwest, and Worthington Park. The next phase turns existing conceptual "bubble diagrams" (preliminary sketches mapping space relationships) into actual architectural drawings and cost estimates. In summer 2026, the library will hire a Construction Manager at Risk, a professional partner who provides a guaranteed maximum price for renovations to protect taxpayers from cost overruns.
February by the numbers. While digital circulation was down 7% compared to February 2025, it was noted that a decrease from January to February is a regular seasonal trend and is expected during the shorter month. Program attendance was down sharply year-over-year, but the February 2025 Rick Steves speaker series skewed that comparison. Meeting room and study room reservations kept growing. February’s highlights included a "Library Olympics" sleepover for 31 stuffed animals at Old Worthington Library alongside unique "Hobby Speed Dating" for 25 participants at Northwest; additionally, the library hosted two successful school partnership events, drawing 233 people from Granby to Northwest and 92 Slate Hill students and families to Worthington Park.
Friends Foundation of Worthington Libraries. The Foundation is forming a finance committee to tackle a structural deficit and has an open board seat after John Chapman stepped down. They are also exploring a partnership with a private-sector company to help evaluate and sell donated books. Volunteers are currently needed in the book room to sort through the unpredictable "waves" of donations that arrive as neighbors downsize. Help is specifically needed to process high volumes and manage specialized inventory like encyclopedia sets. Adults interested in flexible shifts can apply via the library's Volunteer Application (indicating book sorting interest). More information about the Friends Foundation can be found here.
ADA compliance. The library is working to bring all website PDFs and documents — including the Worthington Memory digital archive — into compliance with ADA Title II rules taking effect in April.
GFOA award. The library earned its 19th consecutive Government Finance Officers Association Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting, covering its 2024 financial report.
Upcoming at your library
- Community Breakfast. Tuesday, April 21, 7:30 AM. The library's annual community breakfast, now in its 30th year. Board members are encouraged to attend. Details here.
Thanks for reading. Board meeting schedules, agendas, and minutes are on the Worthington Libraries website. You can also watch the meeting recording here.