Westland Area Library - Southwest Public Libraries

I was looking at the Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML) website, when I realized that there were a number of locations missing from the combined maps of CML and partner library locations. There are multiple locations for both the Worthington Libraries (3) and the Southwest Public Libraries (2). So there are actually 43 total libraries where I’d thought there were “only” 40. That being the case, I decided to visit one of the “extra” ones today — the Westland Area Library on W. Broad St.

This had the advantage of letting me stop along the way for an early lunch at the Culver’s restaurant just off Renner/Trabue Rd.  Culver’s is my favorite fast-food restaurant, and the three in Columbus are all too far away to get to very often. So today I was able to enjoy a yummy pork tenderloin sandwich and fries along with a bowl of their frozen custard (flavor of the day - Peanut Butter Cup) while sitting in the sunshine near their Christmas tree.

Driving in on W. Broad St., I saw the library on the north side of the road near the middle of the Lincoln Village Plaza Shopping Center, between the Giant Eagle grocery store and Big Bob’s Flooring Outlet. Many of the storefronts in the center are empty, but the library seemed to be doing pretty good business.

Entering the library I was immediately struck by the bright, high-ceiling, spacious room. (The first photo is the view from the entrance, and the second is looking back toward the entrance.)

I passed the children and youth sections on the right, which are undergoing renovation and expansion work that began in July. According to an article in a local paper, this will add some 3,600 square feet, bringing the library to more than 27,000 square feet and giving more space for the hundreds of programs the library offers for children and youth each year.

A dozen computers line both sides of the center section of the large room, and more can be found in a technology room off to one side. There is also free wi-fi for people who bring their laptops with them.

It was fun to browse the stacks searching for books on my want list, making a few new finds, and coming across a smaller, more private reading/study areas off in a corner. The poster has it exactly right, “LIBRARIES ROCK!”

 
With several new books in hand, I settled into a comfy chair in a small reading area at the far end of the library. Unfortunately there was no fire in the fireplace.  First I needed to decide which of several books to check out and then spend an hour or so reading my current book from last week’s choices.

I picked out just one book on this visit since I’ll be headed off on a trip in a few days, and I want to finish and return my library books before leaving. I’ll use my Kindle while traveling. The book I selected below is the third book in an amazing 6-book (so far) contemporary fantasy series by Alex Bledsoe—a super find after a good lunch and a fine afternoon in a library.