I am a big fan of the Worthington Library branches. I grew up going to them, I took my nanny kids and now I take my own kids. We probably visit the library weekly, if not twice a week. Our go-to branch is the Old Worthington location. I think they have fabulous book selections for all ages, plus, in my opinion, the best story time in the city! We sure love Ms. Karen.
Over the years, I think they have really done a great job at finding ways to keep the community engaged. Whether it is special events, easier ways to pick out books or my favorite – – all of the additional items (besides books) that you can check out. In the last year or so (maybe longer, time isn’t my speciality anymore), they have really added in some great things. I’m talking things like adventure packs (I love the stargazing one, where you actually check out a telescope), a mobile hotspot (perfect for road trips), light therapy kits (perfect for this upcoming season) and launchpad tablets (think pre-loaded educational iPads). Each of these items are FREE to check out with your Worthington library card and typically have a two week borrow length.
Read below for reach of the different activities you can check out, some you can even reserve online! Keep in mind, a few of the newer things do have a lengthy waitlist, but, how fun will it be when you “forget” about it and one day you get the email notification that it’s your turn!
Binge Boxes
What: Get cozy on the couch with Binge Boxes, a binge-worthy box of movies based on a theme: Can You Dig It? (movies of the 1970s), Dino-Mite Movies (dinosaur movies for kids), Don’t Go in the Water (shark movies for adults), Something Sappy (romance movies) and more. You can reserve Binge Boxes in the library catalog to be picked up at a Worthington Libraries location.
Borrow Length: 14 days; renewals are not available.
Available at: Old Worthington Library, Northwest Library, Worthington Park Library
Mobile Hot Spots
What: Need internet access while you’re on the go? Check out a mobile hotspot! Mobile hotspots can be used anywhere to create a wireless network. You can connect any WiFi-enabled mobile device, laptop, printer, digital camera or gaming device. You can reserve a hotspot in the library catalog (they can only be picked up at a Worthington Libraries location). Borrow Length: 14 days; renewals are not available.
Available at: Old Worthington Library, Northwest Library, Worthington Park Library
Power Packs
What: Power Packs offer interactive learning activities for older children, ages six and up. Inside the red and black bag, you’ll find books and manipulatives. Kits cover a variety of STEAM— science, technology, engineering, art and math— topics such as animations, computer circuitry, fashion design, the human body and more.
Borrow Length: 14 days; renewals are not available.
Available at: Old Worthington Library, Northwest Library, Worthington Park Library
Auto Code Reader
What: An auto code reader is used to diagnose the cause behind “Check Engine” or “Service Engine” dashboard lights in most vehicles manufactured since 2000. Just plug the reader into the connector under your dash and it will display the given fault information provided by the vehicle engine, along with an explanation. The kit includes an auto code reader device, connection cord and user’s manual.
Borrow Length: 14 days; renewals are not available.
Available at: Old Worthington Library, Northwest Library, Worthington Park Library
Adventure Kits
What: We’ve taken some of the best adventures we could think of, such as going on an outdoor excursion or learning to play an instrument, and created Adventure Kits, available for checkout at all three Worthington Libraries Locations. Current kits include: Road Trip for Adults, Road Trip for Families, Bird Watching for Adults, Bird Watching for Families, Camping for Adults, Camping for Families, Nature Walk, Learn the Ukulele, Learn to Sew and Stargazing.
Borrow Length: 14 days; renewals are not available.
Available at: Old Worthington Library, Northwest Library, Worthington Park Library
Discovery Kits
What: Inside the blue and black bags, you’ll find books, music CDs, manipulatives and suggested activities. Kits cover themes such as dinosaurs, farms, feelings, getting ready for school and zoo animals.
Borrow Length: 14 days; renewals are not available.
Available at: Old Worthington Library, Northwest Library, Worthington Park Library
Launchpad Tablets
What: Launchpads are kid-friendly tablets pre-loaded with 10 or more apps. Each Launchpad has a theme, such as letters, numbers, creativity, critical thinking, life skills and “brain breaks,” puzzles and games for passing time on a road trip or winding down at bedtime. Launchpads also target specific ages, from preschool up through fifth grade.
Borrow Length: 14 days; renewals are not available.
Available at: Old Worthington Library, Northwest Library, Worthington Park Library
Light Therapy Lamps
What: Gray days getting you down? Brighten your mood with a light therapy lamp! Light therapy is a way to treat seasonal affective disorder and certain other conditions by exposure to artificial light. You can also reserve a light therapy lamp in the library catalog to be picked up at any Worthington Libraries location. A user guide containing general information and warnings/precautions accompanies the lamp.
Borrow Length: 14 days; renewals are not available.
Available at: Old Worthington Library, Northwest Library, Worthington Park Library
Portable Car Jump Starters
What: The portable car jump starter can be used to jump-start batteries in vehicles, using the included jumper cables. The unit can also serve as a USB charging port to charge devices such as smartphones or tablets. The kit includes a jump starter device, jumper cables, device charging cord and user’s manual.
Borrow Length: 14 days; renewals are not available.
Available at: Old Worthington Library, Northwest Library, Worthington Park Library
I think this would be a great thing to pack for vacation!
Welcome to Reading Backpacks
What: Looking for the best books for new readers? The Welcome to Reading backpacks are Filled with five highly-engaging books based on a specific theme, beginning readers can feel successful with these kits. Books are meant for children and grown-ups to read together.
Borrow Length: 14 days; renewals are not available.
Available at: Old Worthington Library, Northwest Library, Worthington Park Library
Tip: Did you know that the Old Worthington library has toys out for the kids in the story time room? We love popping over during the afternoon for a little playtime. Free, of course.
We love our library so much! Very grateful the girls get to grow up visiting, just like I did.
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Library Locations
Old Worthington Library
820 High Street
Worthington, OH 43085
614-807-2626
Northwest Library
2280 Hard Road
Columbus, OH 43235
614-807-2626
Worthington Park Library
1389 Worthington Centre Drive
Worthington, OH 43085
614-807-2626
Library Hours
Monday: 9:00am-9:00pm
Tuesday: 9:00am-9:00pm
Wednesday: 9:00am-9:00pm
Thursday: 9:00am-9:00pm
Friday: 9:00am-6:00pm
Saturday: 9:00am-6:00pm
Sunday: 1:00pm-5:00pm
