Old Worthington Library

Wow. The large central room in this brick complex, ascetically pleasing and quiet, makes the ideal ready-​made for studying and research – and screwing around on-​line with their powerful Wi-​Fi. My first time here and I was impressed. It more than stands above the Whetson Columbus branch down the road with its serene space that qualifies as a reading room – the Whetson library being too often noisey for me.
The main section is large, with wide back comfortable chairs and laptop tables scattered between bookselves and computing tables. On the opposing triangular walls are mural facing each other of historic scenes, their earth tone paint matching the interior color scheme.
The computers are plentiful and have different functions and uses to 15-​minute quick hits, general use, teen, preteen, and one for multi-​media.
They have many titles at the branch being the main depository for the suburb. You can access rentals, of course, with the Columbus Library card.
I rate it up there with UA main branch and the mammoth central stacks on Grant. Very impressive.

We have made this awesome library an essential part of our lives here in Columbus over the last ten years. First and foremost it’s awesome to have access to the entire Columbus Metro System through our favorite library haunt. But the real secret behind the Old Worthing spot is the staff. Specifically: Ms. Karen, who has been an outstanding teacher and educator for our three boys during story time. I credit my wife for our boys love of reading, but Ms. Karen has been the dedicated support role in helping to develop that love in them as well. We can’t say thanks enough!
Is it weird that I look forward to the opportunity to vote in tax increases for our library?

A very good library in terms of content and helpfulness of the staff, however the noisiest library I’ve ever been in. Between people talking aloud, even the staff, metal book carts rattling around, and cellphone use; I could barely concentrate on reading.

The UA library is nicer, but Worthington is closer to home and I find this to be a nice and uncrowded place to hang out at on a lazy Saturday to browse magazines and get a little reading done. The main room is nice and open with a high ceiling and a nice aesthetic, and there’s always plenty of seating (at least on Saturday afternoons).

I loved coming here when I was in Worthington, Ohio during the winter of 2008-​09. Librarians are always so warm, helpful and friendly. And the folks working here were no exception, even if some libraries seem to be getting noisy where I live. The place is actually bigger than it looks from the outside. I will come again if I am ever back in Cbus, Oh.

This library gets props for having a (surprisingly) better-​than-​average music selection. My Bloody Valentine (both LPs!), Radiohead (most of their catalogue), Portishead, Sonic Youth, R.E.M., The Smiths… most denizens of Worthington have probably never heard of half of these bands. Did someone die and donate their collection? Anyway, I’m always surprised by what I find here.
The video selection is decidedly less impressive. Yet I was surprised to find a David Lynch title or two on their shelves.
Reserving titles online couldn’t be easier however. Can’t find a copy of Tina Fey’s Bossypants or the third season of Dexter, and don’t want to make the drive to CML downtown? Just reserve it at the click of a mouse. Delivery time is surprisingly speedy.
In short, Ye Olde Worthington Library is full of surprises.

I LOVE this library! Being a non-​driver and non-​computer owner, libraries can be a lifesaver if you need to do computer work, and this library is great! The staff is always so friendly and helpful when I go there. They have a ton of free local papers at the entrace. The bathroom is nice and tidy. And this is all the in «pre-​library» section, right when you enter. Here, if you do have your own computer, you can set up here. There are sometimes tutor sessions going on here, or people talking on their cell phones. Also, this summer, there is usually a couple kids raising funds for a baseball league.
Now, enter the library! It’s nice and quite, roomy and cool. There are two floors. I usually go downstairs to the huge computer area. It’s always busy, but there’s always a computer open each time I’ve gone. They do not kick you off after an hour, but do let you extend your sessions. However, I believe once you use it for the day, it’s up (but really if you leave, why would you go back that same day?). There are books everywhere! It’s great! They have a children’s section, a teen’s section, plenty of places to sit and relax! It’s built well.
It is RIGHT on the number 2 busline. Hop on a #2 to Crosswoods and they go straight by it. They also do have a bike rack. You could also take the #31, which is Worthington Express. I love this library, I think it’s AWESOME!

Parking in the lot can be a pain, as others have mentioned, but there are enough side streets that I’ve never had to walk more than half a block to get here.
Like all other Columbus area libraries that I visit, the staff here is top notch. They’re helpful, willing to get out of their chairs to help you go look if you can’t find something, and always ready with a recommendation. That’s especially helpful when you’ve got a three year old who loves monster trucks and trying to use the computer to look up that subject brings up thousands of results.
They have a really well mapped out summer reading program, and more than any other metro library, they are set up in a way that feels cozy without being small, and comfortable enough to curl up in a chair and read the day away.
They also have computers, though I’ve never used them, and a system in place to keep people from hogging them.
Definitely a great place to spend a rainy (or sunny) afternoon.

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?

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.

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!