Worthington Libraries Director Lauren Robinson presented an extensive update on library services and usage trends at the September 16, 2025 Board of Trustees meeting, highlighting the system's evolving role in the community and the success of recent program expansions.
Circulation Trends Show Digital Growth
Robinson shared key performance indicators showing significant shifts in how residents use the library. Digital circulation continues to surge, up 34% from last year, reflecting the community's strong embrace of e-books, audiobooks, and other digital resources.
However, browse circulation—when patrons select physical materials directly from library shelves rather than placing holds—continues to decline. Robinson indicated that addressing this trend will be a priority in the library's 2026 action plan. "We're really trying to answer those questions," Robinson said. "Is that how people want to find books anymore? Are they wanting to just put them on hold?" The library plans to analyze data including timing of circulation spikes, the relationship between children's programming and circulation, and other factors to understand patron behavior.
Meeting and study room usage continues to increase year-over-year, demonstrating that residents are actively using library spaces for collaboration and individual work. Robinson expressed enthusiasm about this trend, noting it shows "people are using that, making more open to the community, people using our spaces and meeting within the library system."
Printing Policy Finds Sustainable Balance
The library's updated printing policy, which provides patrons $3 of free printing per day with fees for additional pages, appears to have reached a sustainable equilibrium. After initially declining sharply when the policy was implemented, printing volumes have leveled off. Robinson reported the system is bringing in more revenue than anticipated, suggesting the policy effectively balances community needs with cost recovery.
Stay connected to what's happening in your city.
Passport Services Expanding Across Library System
Worthington Libraries' passport acceptance service, currently offered at Old Worthington Library, continues to be highly utilized. A recent Saturday walk-in event processed 48 passport applications in a short timeframe—a service Robinson noted is particularly valuable because "it can be so hard to find passport appointments in the evenings when you're not working."
The library is now working to expand the service in multiple ways:
- Adding evening appointment hours at Old Worthington Library to serve residents who work during the day
- Seeking State Department approval to offer passport services at Northwest and Worthington Park libraries
- Exploring the possibility of adding passport photo services, which would require purchasing equipment and obtaining a vendor license to collect sales tax
The State Department approval process for additional locations is not guaranteed, with many factors influencing whether new acceptance facilities will be authorized. Currently, only Worthington Libraries and Upper Arlington Library offer passport services among area public libraries, drawing residents from across the region.
Organizational Highlights: Programs Connect Community
The library's August programming demonstrated the breadth of services offered to all ages:
Animal Programs: Jake the Rabbit visited Worthington Park Library, where children learned about rabbit care. Robinson called Jake "the sweetest rabbit to ever visit the library" and noted the joy of watching "kids get excited about learning about an animal and how to care for them."
Literary Events: The "Don't Let the Pigeon Plan a Party" program at Northwest Library drew 69 patrons, with a staff member in costume bringing the popular children's book character to life.
Community Building: A plant swap at Worthington Park Library attracted 27 participants, while a puppet-making program at Old Worthington engaged families in creative activities.
Passport Services: The walk-in passport event at Old Worthington Library processed applications for 48 people, providing crucial document services to the community.
Pop-Up Library Reaches Hundreds
Robinson highlighted the success of the library's pop-up library program, which brought library services directly into the community at 13 events over the summer, reaching 653 people. A board member called it "a huge success," affirming the value of taking library resources to where residents gather.
Staff Development Continues
The library system is in the final phase of Clifton Strengths training from Gallup, focusing on team dynamics. Robinson explained that staff are now "learning about the team from Clifton Strengths of how you can leverage those strengths of the team environment and going at the best in everyone." The organization is also preparing for its annual staff day.
Looking Ahead
As the library continues to track usage patterns and adapt services to community needs, Robinson emphasized the importance of data-driven decision making. The planned 2026 action items around browse circulation and the potential expansion of passport services demonstrate the library's commitment to evolving alongside the community it serves.
The library's ability to balance traditional services like physical collections with expanded offerings including digital resources, meeting spaces, and specialized services like passport acceptance reflects its role as a dynamic community hub.