SWPL News

Summer Reading Challenge June 3–July 30

Are you ready for Summer Reading Challenge 2023? Summer Reading Challenge (SRC) is ready for you! Summer Reading will run Saturday, June 3 – Sunday, July 30 this year and is open to all ages with special challenges for tots, kids, teens, and adults.

We invite you to join us as we celebrate kindness, friendship, and community "All Together Now." Track your reading, attend library programs, and complete bonus activities to earn prizes and weekly raffle opportunities. Join us for live performers twice a week, storytimes, craft and DIY programs, music programs, book discussions, and much more.

How to Register
Sign up starting 6/3 online, in-person at the library, or through the READsquared app. When you sign up, you'll receive a reusable, canvas tote bag, perfect for your library hauls. Bags available beginning 6/3 at Youth Service and Information desks.

Tip: You can get ready and set up your Summer Reading account online or on READsquared now; tracking will not be available and your activity will not count, however, until the challenge begins on 6/3.

See What's Happening
Find event details via our Happenings programming guide or Web Calendar.

SRC Performers
Join us for live entertainment on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Morning performances are at 10:30 am while afternoon performances are at 1:30 p.m. Explore our web calendar to view performance locations and times.

Beat the Lines: Get a Library Card Now
Don't have a library card yet? Beat the long kickoff lines. Register for a library card online here anytime or stop by Patron Services at either location before SRC starts.

TIP: To get your library card, you will need photo ID with your current mailing address. If your photo ID does not have your current address on it, you may present a utility bill, bank mailing, or other business mail with your current address as proof of address.

Beat the lines: register for a library card online

Summer Reading Challenge is coming June 3–July 30! Don't have a library card yet? Beat the long kickoff lines and register for a card online now or stop by Patron Services before Summer Reading begins.

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How do I get a library card?

You can sign up for a library card at either branch by completing an application available at both branches.

Adults, patrons age 18 and over, and emancipated minors must present valid photo identification with the current, correct mailing address when applying for a card. If the photo ID does not have the current mailing address, tyou may present a utility bill, bank mailing, or other business mail as proof of address.

Additionally, you can apply for a card online by clicking this link. Upon completion of approval process, you will receive a temporary barcode number (PACREGXXXXXXX). You can use this number to reserve books and use the library’s digital resources. To get your full access library card, come to either SPL location with a valid photo ID and stop by the Customer Service Desk.

Spring programming updates

Due to unforeseen circumstances the following spring programs have changed. Check out all of our spring programs here, offered for all ages.

Canceled: Concert with soul band TOWNes | Westland......originally scheduled for Saturday, April 15, 2023.
Changed book selection: Page Turners Book Club April 25 | Grove City......April's title is now The Book of Hope by Jane Goodall.
Canceled: Paint Chip Wreath | Grove City......originally scheduled for Monday, May 15, 2023.

Changed book selection: Page Turners Book Club May 23 | Grove City......May's title is now Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson.

Overdrive will be discontinued on May 1—Switch to Libby today

On May 1, 2023, the OverDrive app will be discontinued. Upgrade to Libby, the award-winning one tap reading app today, for the same great titles plus new features you'll love.

Libby is made by the same people as OverDrive and offers a friendly, easy-to-use way to connect with all the eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines, and more that you love. Don't worry, your loans, holds, and wishlists will go with you! Once you download the Libby app and add your library card(s), all of your loans and holds will transfer. Follow the onscreen prompts to transfer your Overdrive wish list. Your wish list items will become a tag that's available on your shelf.

How to switch to Libby

Once you download the Libby app (available on the App Store and Google Play), you'll be guided through the following steps.

Find your library and sign in
Sync your OverDrive wish list
Start reading & listening

Need help switching? Learn more here or give our Information Services department a call at Grove City 614-875-6716 ext. 503 or Westland 614-878-1301 ext. 603.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to switch to Libby?
Yes, please switch to Libby. OverDrive will no longer be supported by the end of April 2023.

Will my loans and holds transfer to Libby?
Yes! Once you add your library cards to Libby, all your loans and holds will be waiting on your Shelf.

Will my wish list transfer to Libby?
When you set up Libby, you’ll be prompted to import your OverDrive wish lists via an in-app notification. Your wish list items will become a tag that’s available on your Shelf.

Will Libby work with my e-reader?
Yes! Libby can be used with Kobo, Nook, Kindle, Kindle Fire. Learn more here by scrolling to "Will Libby work with my- e-reader?"

Can I use Libby on a computer?
Yes! Visit swpl.org "Ebooks" to browse, search, read or listen and more on your computer.

FOL Book Donation Day 4/1 - Drop off your books in good condition

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Too many books? Make room on your shelves for new favorites by dropping off books you are ready to pass on to the Friends of the Library!

Book Donation Day: April 1, Saturday, 12–4 p.m. @ Grove City Library

Drop off your new and used books in good to great condition. We are unable to accept the following. Please:

NO encyclopedias, dictionaries, text books, pamphlets
NO stained, dirty, or moldy books

All donations will go towards the Friends annual book sales and sale rooms. Thank you for supporting Southwest Public Libraries through the Friends!

About Friends of Southwest Public Libraries
The Friends of Southwest Public Libraries is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that supports the mission of Southwest Public Libraries. The group conducts fundraising, volunteer work, public awareness efforts and literacy programs in the community on behalf of the library.

The Friends generate funds in support of the library primarily through the sale of donated books, magazines and other materials in the Friends of the Library (FOL) book sale. The Friends of SPL hold a large annual sale each year as well as smaller, permanent sales all year round in the FOL Book Sale Room at Grove City and atrium at Westland. The Friends also host several fundraisers throughout the year to sponsor various initiatives, including the library's popular Summer Reading Challenge.

Interested in joining the Friends? Pick up a membership form at either library or learn more here. Connect with the Friends on Facebook.