Director's message - Winter 2025

Winter is on the way! I am excited for a cozy season of reading by the fireplace and looking forward to 2026.

The end of another year is also a time for reflection. 2025 was a complex year for Worthington Libraries. We faced a funding challenge, as the state legislature announced plans to alter the funding model for Ohio's public libraries. Legislators proposed moving library funding to a line item in the state budget instead of a set percentage of the general revenue fund, which had, for decades, allowed library funding to ebb and flow with the economy. While this measure ultimately passed, Worthington Libraries remains relatively stable, as our primary source of funding comes from two permanent property tax levies passed by voters in the Worthington School District in 2005 and 2013. Even with two permanent levies in place, we are nearing a time when expenses, which continue to increase, will outpace income.

It can be difficult to understand how property tax levies work. It's natural to assume levy collection is based on the currently assessed value of a home, but it is actually collected based on home value at the time a levy was passed. The library's 2.6 mill levy, passed in 2005, is collected based on home values 20 years ago. As home values increase, homeowners don't pay more in property taxes designated for the Library unless a new levy is passed and collected on current values.

I am now working with library staff and our board of trustees to make plans for the library's future, which may include a request for additional funds to pay for both increased operating expenses and potential improvements to library facilities.

In 2025, we got the results of a comprehensive facilities plan which assessed all aspects of our three library buildings. We combined this knowledge with ongoing analysis of our key performance indicators to learn more about how people are using our materials, services and programs. We discovered our buildings, though well-maintained, are showing signs of wear and in need of updates. While all of our facilities are well-used, patterns of patron use continue to evolve. Simply put, how and when people use libraries is changing, and our libraries must change, too.

All of this brings us to 2026! The coming year will be one of planning, inspiration, excitement and ongoing community conversations as we work together to write the next chapter in the library's long history. I hope you'll come along for the journey!

Best wishes to all for a wonderful holiday season and happy new year!