Upper Arlington Public Library

My son and I use to spend every Saturday morning here up until we moved. I’m not going to spend a lot of time writing this review, but long story short– Two of my sons books from the library were mixed up in his own collection and came with us in the move. I contacted the library and they informed me my account had been sent to COLLECTIONS. Not to mention returning the books would not make a difference in the $ 100+ worth of fines.
Let me finish by saying it is obviously my
Fault for not returning the books, but what kind of late policy is that? $ 100 in fines for children’s books and an account in collections?
No thanks, that’s not a library.

I LOVE libraries. As a teenager, instead of doing whatever most teenagers do, I would walk to my local library, spend hours there, get as many books as my card would allow, and binge read them all. I had been dying to join a library in Columbus and, after reading the reviews, headed over to this branch of the Upper Arlington Public Library.
I walk in and my first impression is that this place is really big! I feel like you could fit several of the libraries I’m used to inside this one.
I went to sign up for a card, and the computer kept failing to load the page. Not sure if that’s a reflection on the internet in general, but it was a little annoying. Otherwise, signing up for a card was really easy. I typed in my information, went to the help desk, and was able to choose between a wallet card and a keychain card. The only restrictions were that, for the first 30 days, you can only take out 2 DVDs, new books, or adult CDs (not exactly sure what ‘adult CDs’ entails; rating?) Otherwise, you can rent something like 50 items?! So cool!
I ended up with 4 books and 2 DVDs. Their DVD collection is pretty impressive. I like how they’re organized by genre. I was looking for something in particular and they had it! I didn’t peruse the books for very long, but it seems like they have a TON, most things you could want!
They had ample seating and all of it looked really comfortable. As a library, it was really quiet in the back; I can see how this would be an awesome place to study.
I didn’t get to look as thoroughly as I would have liked, so I’m really looking forward to going back.

This is a great place to visit for quiet space; plenty of places to sit. The staff LOVES to help people… I should know, I use to work here.
This is also a great place to learn about new technology. The Media department has samples of tablets for you to play with and they will answer any questions. Also, if you brought in your own device, they would even help you with that. They are really nice. I was always surprised by this.
The other staff love to help you find anything you might be searching for… you’d be surprised what they are asked to find. Hell, they might even help you find your lost keys.
These people truly love to help the patrons.

(You can renew a book up to five times if no one has requested it. Awesome for a sporadic reader like myself.)
I really like that the UA Library has two additional branch locations, so I can request a book and pick it up at the branch closest to my house.
Book and A/​V selection is really good here. I’ve also reserved audio books and they partner with Overdrive Media Console, so you can download audio books to your mobile device.
There are plenty of PCs available for searching the catalog or the web. From what I’ve seen, there are a variety of activities for children and teens. They also offer film series for adults.
This is a great library for UA residents, as it is within walking distance of several schools.

What a wonderful public library! It was quick and easy to sign up for a library card. The collection is extensive, especially considering the library’s small size. One of UAPL’s best resources is probably the least utilized — its online databases. By simply entering your library card number online, you can get full access to Consumer Reports!

This is the best library in central Ohio. It beats out Columbus Main by its smaller more intimate size. They have lots of CDs, DVDs, books, and computers to use. (back a decade ago when I had my computer on the fritz I relied on UA Library for all my computer needs, wants, addictions.)
I love their basement. It is where the magazines are and I enjoy the quiet space allowed for catching up in best periodical writings. In fact, their is a Allen Ginsburg poem about how he would go to a library (NY?) to catch up on magazine articles. He mentions it with great love for the space. I kind of feel the same way with UA’s.

Brought my daughter to the Upper Arlington main branch on the 19^th for the Doctor Who marathon at the Friends Theatre. Since it was our first visit to this library, we started exploring when she got a little squirmy (which, unfortunately for me, was only about 30 minutes into the showing).
After some less than stellar experiences at some of the Columbus Metropolitan library branches on the west side of Columbus, I’m thrilled to have found this library! (Why didn’t I come here before?!?) It’s huge, considering that it’s a relatively small suburb, and you can literally get lost in there for a while. (which we did — if you’ve never been here before, make sure you pay attention to the signs. There are lots of additional sections hidden around corners and past the meeting rooms.)
Looking forward to the Friends of the Library book sale next month, but you can bet that my preschooler and I will be back before then.

This is the main branch for the UA library system, and it is fabulous. Large and spacious, with a wide variety of materials — books, periodicals, cds, dvds/​blu-​ray, etc. There is a fabulous kids section, meeting rooms, study space, free Wi-​Fi, and they even have a new «Gadget Gallery,» where you can try out the latest eReaders. The turn-​around on the wait list for books is fast, and the email reminders on due dates are very helpful. They also offer a ton of programs and events, as well as host a great book sale. The staff is so friendly and helpful, and the location near the park is really nice too.

So… I walk in here and it’s like «look at all these books! And movies! And they let me take them HOME… FOR FREE???»
Obviously it’s been a long time since I’ve been in a library other than the law library.
UA Libraries are awesome. I can’t believe such a relatively tiny suburb has three branches with such extensive services. When I walked in to find some study space earlier this summer, I was shocked to see how many people seemed to be teaming about. I was under the misconception that people didn’t use libraries anymore, but the main branch was thriving. There also seemed to be a lot of events going on for all different age groups. An active community calendar was so refreshing to see.
So, I signed up for a library card. I had one in the past (I’m just now moving back to UA after 9 years, but I grew up here), but this time it was all done from an automated computer portal. It was easy to use, and getting my card was speedy.
A few days later, I had a handwritten note in the mail (postal mail!) from a librarian welcoming me to the library. How cute!
They also send very helpful (and for me, necessary) reminder emails letting you know when things are coming due.
I really can’t say enough about UAPL.
Also, audiobooks. They make driving long distances fun again. I’m hooked! Both the Tremont and Lane branches have HUGE selections.

In 2008, Upper Arlington Public Library was ranked third in the country (serving a population of 25,0000 or less) by the national library ranking organization. While third may sound fabulous, the UA Library has been ranked #1 at least three times in the past 5 or 6 years. At least another local library (Worthington) took over as top dog.
The library system consists of the main library and two branches, one in south and one in north Arlington. The main library sprawls along Northam Park on Tremont Road, has very easy parking, as well as a lazy-person’s drive through drop-​off for books and videos. (You don’t even have to get out of your car)!
Having written a few books, I have spent countless hours holed up in this library doing research and found the librarians very helpful, extremely knowledgeable and well-​read. Always very nice too.
I do, however, find the library a bit noisy at times, making it tough to focus on serious work. Given its location between two elementary schools, children tend to converge on the computer room after school. Be warned the library buzzes with activity (to put it nicely) between the hours of 3 and 5 PM when school is in session.
With that said, the library’s holdings are extensive, ranging from books to music to DVDs. Circulation periods are generous, late fines are realistic, and if the library doesn’t have something, they can usually get their hands on it. I speak from experience…
You’ll also find a broad selection of newspapers and magazines in the reference room on the lower level, where 30 computers have internet access and many have word processing capabilities. The computers are available to the public on a first-​come-​first serve basis, but time-​limits are enforced when it is busy.
The adult, youth and children’s public programming is extensive, including book discussions and lectures on literature, crafts, music, art and historical tours. History buffs will appreciate being able to access old photos and documents held by by the Upper Arlington Historical Society through the library’s webpage. Movies and Buckeye games are shown on the big screen in the library’s small theatre.
It is all of these ‘extras’ and special features that sets the Upper Arlington Library apart from the others. They earn their high ratings.

The UA Public Library is well maintained and stocked with obscure titles. What other library in central Ohio offers Ted Leo CDs?
As far as how it holds up against other local libraries: It’s better than any individual Columbus Metro branch, except the main library of course. UA’s holdings seem larger than those of the Grandview library. UA can’t compete with Grandview’s ease of use, though.
They do have a very nice (and seemingly unending) book sale. It’s a great place to grab an out-​of-​print edition, former bestseller or antique volume.
The sale has quite a few CDs as well, though I’ve not spent as much time looking through those.
They also have free Wi-​Fi.
I hear that the branches (Lane Ave. and Miller Park) are nice too. I hope to visit them soon.

Best small library in the city. Unbelievable selection of materials. Free wi-​fi. They’ve even added bluray to the DVD collection.
I think the best thing about the library though is the helpful staff. They must have the best training program for staffers in the city.
P. S. Friends of the Library book sales are the biggest in the city (and I’ve been to them all).