BEXLEY, Ohio— Bexley Public Library is pleased to announce that on April 9, 2014, it will join the Central Library Consortium (CLC). While continuing to serve the community as an independent library, Bexley Public Library will partner with 13 other central Ohio libraries to offer patrons access to more than 3.8 million items. This transition will also include an update to the catalog, an improved check-out experience, an expanded collection of downloadable books and magazines, and much more.

Detailed information about this collaboration is available in the library and on the library’s website: www.bexleylibrary.org.

Offering cooperative lending with other libraries was one of the commitments the library made during the 2013 levy campaign.  “Joining the CLC will allow us to leverage and extend our funding in order to provide access to an array of resources that we could not offer on our own,” said Library Director Rachel Rubin.  “Not only do we maintain local control over our programs, collections, and services, now we will be able to provide our patrons convenient access to an additional 3.4 million items.”   The library’s current collection stands at about 350,000 items.

Additional benefits of membership in the CLC include text message notifications, a mobile-friendly catalog for use with smartphones and tablets, and the ability to pay fines online.

The library received a $33,000 grant from the Institute for Museum and Library Services and will use donated funds from the estate of Marilyn K. Limbird to cover the costs of the migration to a new catalog and related updates to the circulation area.

Bexley Public Library will join London Public Library and Upper Arlington Public Library as new additions to the consortium on April 9. Existing members are:  Alexandria Public Library, Columbus Metropolitan Library, Fairfield County District Library, Grandview Heights Public Library, Marysville Public Library, Pickaway County District Public Library, Pickerington Public Library, Plain City Public Library, Southwest Public Libraries, Upper Arlington Public Library, Wagnalls Memorial Library and the Worthington Libraries.

More information about this transition is available on the library’s website www.bexleylibrary.org.  Patrons with questions about the new catalog or the Central Library Consortium may also call the library at 614-231-8741.

Bexley Public Library has been serving the Bexley community since 1924. The Library’s mission is to enlighten, engage, and inspire a community of lifelong learners. An extensive collection, knowledgeable and friendly staff, innovative programming for kids and adults, and a welcoming space are all part of what makes our library unique. Bexley Public Library joined the Central Library Consortium (CLC) in 2014 to expand its services and offer patrons access to over 3.8 million resources. Learn more at www.bexleylibrary.org.