Hello Worthington! Here's your recap of what happened at August 18's Worthington Libraries Board of Trustees meeting. Below are brief summaries of the most significant discussions about your library system.
Library Funds Design Work to Renovate All Three Branches
The board took the next step on its long-term building plan, approving a shift of up to $705,000 within the 2026 budget to pay the architect that will design renovations at the Old Worthington, Northwest, and Worthington Park libraries. A building-by-building assessment found the three branches aging and in need of updates, and the library plans to carry out improvements in phases over several years.
Rather than adding new money or drawing from outside funds, the board reallocated dollars already inside the 2026 general fund: $185,000 from furniture and equipment, $20,000 from administrative supplies, and $5,000 from the contingency line, moved into the professional-services account that pays the architect. Chief Financial Officer Jeremie Stevens said the money came from projects that weren't going to be finished this year, and that the library "did not go and scrape every barrel" to find it. She framed the $705,000 as a ceiling rather than a certainty; the approved contract also includes $25,000 for additional services and covers near-term building needs such as cooling-tower and boiler drawings at the Northwest branch.
Once the library holds a kickoff meeting with the architect firm, staff will brief the board's planning committee on what the next six months of the project will look like. The Friends Foundation of Worthington Libraries has also set aside money to contribute to the plan once it is finalized and funded.
In Other Library News
- Cash payments will round to the nearest nickel starting September 1. For cash-only transactions at all three branches, the library is turning on a rounding feature in its payment system, so the amount a patron pays in cash may differ by a few cents from the balance shown on their account. Signs explaining the change will be posted; card and account balances are unaffected.
- A board seat is opening, and another is being filled. Trustee Joseph Saverimuttu told the board he has closed on a home in Gahanna and plans to step down in December, saying he believes there is value in having someone who lives in the community serve on the board. A separate search to fill an existing vacancy is already under way, with the governance committee set to review applications in early October.
- The board renewed the library's employee-assistance program. The three-year renewal continues the counseling benefit the library called on this summer after a fatal shooting next to the Worthington Park Library; leaders described it as a core benefit for staff.
- The library's paid-printing program is covering its own costs. Staff reported that the limited-free-printing model rolled out last year delivered roughly $62,000 in value to patrons while the paid side generated enough revenue to cover both the paid and free printing.
- Mid-year finances are healthy. The library had collected about 64% of its estimated revenues by the end of July, kept its reserve near target, and earned strong investment income; its 2025 annual financial reports are complete.
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Programming Recap
- Summer reading brought people through the doors. Browse circulation rose 19% in June (up about 30% from a year earlier) before easing again in July, which staff attributed largely to the summer reading program.
- Reptile Ventures drew 163 visitors to the Northwest Library, and the outdoor movie series paired screenings with Mardi Gras Homemade Ice Cream (one night was canceled due to poor air quality from Canadian wildfire smoke).
- Families also enjoyed chalk art at Worthington Park, a magician, and magical storytelling over the summer.
- A patron donated a detailed Lego model of the Northwest Library, now on display at that branch.
- Worthington ranked among Ohio's most-used libraries in 2025 state data: 11th in the state for total circulation and 9th for typical-week attendance.
- The Friends Foundation's recent book sale went well, with final numbers still being tallied.
Upcoming at Your Library
- Friday, September 25 — Storybook Ball at the Old Worthington Library, a family event.
- Early October — The board will review applications for its open trustee seat around October 8; residents interested in serving should apply before then. Watch the Library Board page for details.
- Friday, November 13, 7 p.m. — Books & Brews, the Friends Foundation's fundraiser, at the library.
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Thanks for reading this summary of the Worthington Libraries Board of Trustees meeting. You can find board meeting schedules, agendas, and minutes on the Worthington Libraries Board page or watch the meeting recording here.