Find out what the Westerville Public Library was up to in 2014, from big author events to a walking tour app.

1. Annual
Report
2014
Westerville
Public Library
126 South State Street
Westerville, OH 43081
(614) 882-7277
westervillelibrary.org

2. History Center launches app
Stroll State Street and stop at the sites
Our Local History Center went mobile this year by creating an
app that provides a personal tour for residents to enjoy on their phone
or computer. The app features 21 locations on State Street and gives
listeners the historical significance of each building along with new and
vintage photos of each site. A 2015 app features sites on Main Street.
Highlights
New van for delivery to schools
Friends organization gives funds
Thanks to the generosity of the Friends of the Library, the library
was able to purchase a new van for Library Link, our service that reaches
out every day to children and teachers in each school building in the
district. We deliver books requested by students and school staff, and
we share the latest in recommended titles and valuable services.
Diana Gabaldon and Lee Child
Followers flock to meet favorite authors
To the delight of readers, the library invited top-notch, best-selling
authors to Westerville this year.
Fans of the enormously popular Outlander book series traveled
from 12 states and Canada to meet author Diana Gabaldon. She signed
thousands of books for enthusiastic crowds at a reception hosted by the
Foundation and her talk at Westerville Central gymnasium.
Author of the tough-guy Jack Reacher series Lee Child entertained
and shared stories of how he creates his heart-pounding bestsellers.

3. 2/14
Board Members
Financials
State Funds
34% $2,485,479
Michael Fultz
Melissa Hodek
Mary Lightbody
Deanna McDaniel
Joshua Platt
Karen Scholl
Jack Shinnock
Readers and researchers are receiving
materials from 90 public, college and
university libraries around the state by
selecting an OhioLINK and SearchOhio
search. The catalogs offer 75 million items.
Sharing Resources
with Ohio libraries
OhioLINK and
SearchOhio usage
Items borrowed
25,843
Items loaned
24,303
Details
Local Operating Levy
62% $4,560,842
Fines, Interest & Misc.
5% $335,741
Total
$7,382,062
Personnel $4,023,896
Supplies $118,899
Purchased Services $973,724
Library Materials $835,968
Capital Outlay $282,270
Other Expenses $332,618
Total $6,567,375
Revenue
Expenses
From a grateful library --
“Saying thank you to 199 volunteers who worked more than 1,800 hours this summer doesn’t seem
possible -- but we tried -- with pizza, ice cream floats, a cakewalk and prizes, oh my!”

4. 2014 Overview
Changes online and on the horizon
This year our website and online catalog received a much anticipated
makeover featuring a new look and an easy-to-use search. Also, in 2014,
while the preparations began for improvements both inside and outside of
our facility, the library was honored with several awards.
A new website
In April, visitors to our website -- www.westervillelibrary.org -- were
welcomed to a fresh, green color palette and redesigned links to our
resources, services and events. Additionally, a search of our catalog began
offering not only print items, but also e-books, various internet offerings
and our related services.
Paving the way for improvements
Preparations began for major projects that will take place in 2015 --
resurfacing the parking lot as well as repairing the pavers in the roadway
and replacing the heating and cooling system originally installed in 1955.
In partnership with the city of Westerville, plans are underway to add
between 45 and 60 new parking spaces.
Many honors
Once again, our library was recognized as one of the nation’s finest
libraries, receiving the coveted Five-Star rating from the Library Journal.
Closer to home, voters in the Columbus Parent “Best of Columbus”
competition chose ours as Best Library Children’s Area and Best Library
Story Times. Our library also was named one of the Best Employers in Ohio,
placing us 16th among the top businesses in which to work. On a personal
note, I was honored to be named by the Ohio Library Council as the 2014
Hall of Fame Librarian.
With your support
The accomplishments and honors of 2014 were possible only with
the combined efforts of our board, volunteers and staff. We thank you, our
community, for your continued support.
Don W. Barlow, Executive Director

5. Customers
Visitors to the library & website
Have you stopped in recently? In
August alone, we welcomed 50,759
visitors. Our newly designed website
gained immediate attention.
Programs
Library events
During an average month, library
staff and guest presenters offered
178 storytimes, classes and events for
babies through teens to senior adults.
2,140
Library programs
56,397
Attendees
Cardholders
Registered library card users
Your library card gives you use of a
computer to convert your VHS tapes to
DVD for free. Have you discovered the
Nooks pre-loaded with books for kids?
118,720
Library
cardholders
Delivery
To senior facilities, homebound
customers and preschools
We deliver personalized service along
with books. Our Outreach members
give book talks, provide computer
instruction and even play Pictionary.
62,234
Items circulated
by Outreach
Services
Statistics
538,860
In the library
1,875,984
Web page views

6. In praise of our drive-up window --
“I love the drive-up reserve. Nothing is quick with a toddler and pre-schooler, and when you
try to squeeze the library into the schedules of our three school-age children . . . We read so
many more books because of the wonderful drive-up reserve!”
Resources
Books, movies & more
Explore our collection of 34,000
DVDs and Blu-rays for blockbuster
movies, TV shows and notable films
you might have missed.
306,036
Materials
owned
Usage
Checking out library materials
The popularity of ebooks continued
as readers checked out 126,420 for an
increase of 47%. We circulated 6,000
library items on an average day.
2,102,171
Items circulated
Meetings
Community organizations
Our meeting and conference rooms
are busy hubs in the library. Your
group can book one by reserving
online or giving us a call.
1,270
Community
meetings
25,078
Attendees
Library Link
Daily delivery to Westerville schools
Delivering requested books to students
and teachers is a high priority for us.
When reserving an item, simply select your
child’s school as the pick-up location.
17,152
Items requested
and delivered