All The Reasons You Need a Library Card in Columbus, Ohio

I love to read. I love stories. I love to get immersed in a good book and let it take me across the world, into new worlds, meet new characters, make me smile, cry, and have a whole slew of emotions. Luckily, Columbus, Ohio has a wonderful public library system.

I’ve always been passionate about reading, including have a true love for the PBS show The Letter People in the 90s. I was also a VolunTeen at Northwest Library in Worthington when I was a kiddo! It’s possible I was a librarian in another lifetime, actually.

All of this to say, I strongly believe everyone should have a library card! Whether you live in a city like Columbus that boasts an amazing amount of library branches or you live in a small town that just has one amazing library, there are countless benefits.

Since I live in Columbus, some of these reasons are specific to our city but all libraries have amazing resources for their community.

All the reasons you need a library card in Columbus, ohio.

Table of Contents

Library Branches in Columbus

First things first, here is a list of the library branches in the greater Columbus area. Head to each link to learn how to get your free library card at that branch. *Spoiler* you can have multiple free library cards.

Columbus Metropolitan Library. This library system spans the whole city and has 23 locations to enjoy. They’ve recently renovated multiple locations and are absolutely beautiful.
Worthington Libraries. They have three locations in Worthington and each one has its own unique decor and setup. All have awesome kids areas that are perfect for little readers!
Southwest Public Libraries. These two locations are located in the southern part of Columbus and the Grove City branch recently had a huge glow up.
Grandview Heights Public Library. This single location boasts so many great resources! I love the kids area set up here too.
Upper Arlington Public Libraries. The three libraries in Upper Arlington are a staple in the community and in addition to being a great resource, they are a great partner outside the library too.
Bexley Public Library. I actually have never been to this library but it is absolutely beautiful and I can’t wait to make a visit!
Delaware Public Libraries. There are four (soon to be five) branches are awesome and the main library even has a “Maker Studio” for us DIY’ers.
Westerville Public Library. They might have just one location but they make it count! The Westerville Library is one of my absolute favorites for all ages.

Mother and daughter at the Columbus Metropolitan Library using their library card.

Free Books!

I mean, isn’t this the best reason!? Having a library card means access to thousands, probably millions, of books!

I am sure everyone knows this one, but you can check out books for FREE at your public library. Certain library cards and branches have limits on how many items you can check out at once.

For example, at Columbus Metropolitan Library you can loan books for 21 days and up to 50 book items at once. This is per library card. So if your child has a library card and you have a library card, you could potentially check out up to 100 books at once!

Access to Digital Books

This is something I don’t think people realize is an amazing benefit of having a library card. If you have a Kindle (I have this one) or another E-Reader, you can check out books digitally.

You have to sign up for a Hoopla, OverDrive, or Libby and connect your library card in the system. Each library uses their own system. I use Libby connected with my library card and then I send the book to my Kindle.

Sometimes, with popular books, there is a wait time to get access but it’s such an incredible resource and super easy to use!

Girl coloring at the Columbus Metropolitan Library Main Library.

Fun and Free Events

I love a good event, obviously because we plan them over at Lewis Marketing and Upper Arlington Public Library is always an incredible partner to our events!

But, libraries themselves put on DOZENS of free events for a huge variety of ages. We’ve been to story time at the Worthington and Columbus Libraries numerous times and it’s always amazing. If you have a young child, you could easily find a story time every day of the week.

If you or another adult in your life is looking to brush up on their digital skills, libraries offer a variety of classes with hands on support to learn how to use modern technology and to protect yourself in a digital world.

To stay up to date on events happening at your local branch, I highly recommend following them on social media and/or signing up for their email list. They also have paid events at time, I recently went to an interview with Nick Offerman through the Westerville Library that was amazing.

After School & Break Food Support

One of my favorite things about library systems is the incredible support they give to students and families when it comes to food insecurity. 1 in 6 children face hunger in Ohio, in our communities, and libraries are one incredible partner helping to bridge that gap.

A few of the ways that library systems in Columbus are helping to support students and families throughout the year.

Library systems are always working with local organizations like Children’s Hunger Alliance and local food pantries to provide free food and resources for the community. Plus, you don’t need a library card for this resource!

Free Board Games, Artwork, Tools, Museum Tickets, and More

Libraries don’t just have books to check out! They offer SO many amazing things to borrow for your need and return. Here are a few of the more fun “things” I’ve seen at our local libraries to borrow with your library card.

Light Therapy Kits. We could all use this for our winter here in Ohio!
Discovery Kits. “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.”
Culture Pass. This is one of my FAVORITE things about the libraries! You can get free passes to places like Franklin Park Conservatory, The Columbus Museum of Art, Columbus Clippers Games, and even the Central Ohio Symphony!
Guitar. Have a budding musician but don’t want to shell out the money quite yet for a guitar? Rent one from the Westerville Library!
Seed Library. This is a seasonal opportunity but as someone who aspires to have a green thumb, I love the opportunity for free seeds to make my little patio garden thrive!
Board Games. What a fun day to go pick out a few board games from the library and then order pizza, hang out at home and play them together!

This is NOT an exhaustive list of the non-book items you can check out with your library card. I recommend looking at your library website and there is generally a place for “non-book items to borrow” where you can see them all. And if ever in doubt, just ask a librarian.

Free Meeting Rooms

All libraries have awesome and private meeting spaces of various sizes and it’s FREE. That’s right, FREE! Note that some libraries (like Worthington) do limit the large meeting space only to non-profit organizations. But, others like Westerville have spaces for up to 100 people that are totally free!

Some of our libraries are small and only offer a handful of homework-help type rooms but some, like the Dublin branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library and the Main Library have a ton of rooms. It’s easy to book too – just login online to your library and book with your information.

If you run into an issue, you can always give the library a call. I had a problem with my account being locked and the lovely librarian on the other end helped me tremendously!

Access to Incredible Knowledge

Never underestimate the value of your local librarian. These folks are well read, capable, kind, helpful, and are a service to our communities.

Here is a great article that sums up why libraries and librarians are so important to our communities. So if I haven’t convinced you enough to get your library card, hopefully that article put the icing on the cake.