Photos courtesy of Grove City Library
When was the last time you visited a library? If the answer is more than a month ago, you might want to dust off your library card and visit the Grove City Library for access to its cool new resources.
For years, Southwest Public Libraries has remained dedicated to the success and continued education of its patrons. The library system offers services to help adults hone their professional skills, find jobs, and expedite learning for children and teens.
Online Resources
Have you ever wanted to learn how to be a better photographer? Designer? What about a computer analyst? While classes for these subjects can cost thousands of dollars, with Lynda, library patrons can learn new skills just by signing up with their SPL library card. Thanks to a partnership with LinkedIn, this service is completely free.
Communications Manager Mark Dubovec says the Lynda program opens up an entirely new channel for learning. It is accessible and affordable for anyone looking to sharpen their skills in a favorite hobby or a completely new subject.
“The goal of the library is to serve as the community center for lifelong learning,” says Dubovec. “We start with parents bringing their young ones to Baby Storytime, where they learn to read, but also read to learn. From there, it keeps going up.”
Searching for a job can be a headache, but with AtoZdatabases, the library reduces stress and makes finding employment that much easier. Employers can also utilize the database to find qualified individuals in the area to hire.
Additionally, the LearningExpress Library is a magnificent tool for anyone looking to further their education. The program offers college admission test prep for prospective college students and career exams to prepare individuals for the workplace.
Adult Programming
If you prefer an in-person experience, SPL offers a variety of fun adult programming taught by skilled instructors.
Reference and Adult Services Librarian Emma Trudeau speaks highly of a program called First Time Home Buyers; in which patrons can learn about loans and ask questions to representatives about different home buying experiences.
Military history class
Programs range from bookbinding and yarning crafts to DIY projects and once-per-month yoga classes. The library also offers technical support to those wishing to learn more about their technological devices, such as smartphones and laptops.
In addition, there is also a military history program focusing on a specific battle or facet of a particular war. There is often a documentary or Microsoft PowerPoint presentation to accompany a discussion and a Q&A session.
“All of these programs take place on varying dates and at varying times, and our instructors are always willing to answer questions and acclimate attendees to new skills,” Trudeau says.
Student Sufficient
Because of its niche location in the South-Western City School District and close proximity to The Ohio State University, SPL is privy to an influx of students both in high school and college.
“When we were designing (the Grove City Library), one of the most popular demands was for more access to quiet study rooms,” Dubovec says. “We have a lot of students that use these often, and we wanted to make sure their needs were being met.”
Students in homeschooling programs, according to Dubovec, also frequent the library for assistance with research and other educational endeavors. Parents of home-schoolers often hold meetings in the conference rooms to discuss teaching plans, coordinate events and offer support to one another.
“The best part about the library is that it’s open to everyone,” Dubovec says. “We’re giving the community the programs and services they’ve always asked for. We want to offer something for someone every single step of the way.”
Library Fun Facts
- SPL is the second largest library system in Franklin County, with services in Grove City and Westland.
- More than 85 individuals currently work at both locations, ranging from high-schoolers to individuals with advanced degrees.
- SPL has a collection of more than 300,000 items in stock between the two locations. Access skyrockets to 5 million when you consider its partnership with the Central Library Consortium, which allows cardholders to borrow and access materials from the Columbus Metropolitan Library and 15 other central Ohio library systems.
Tessa Flattum is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com.
