Notes on Wright Library’s services, collection, and community
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What to read? Get expert recommendations Feb. 16,2021
Sign up to receive recommendations from Wright Library's adult services librarians.
- See the newest titles and find out what's trending.
- Learn about the library's book clubs.
- Access curated reading lists, read-alikes.
- Discover library resources.
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The Great Backyard Bird Count: Meet Wright Library's resident birder Feb. 12, 2021
For the next four days, people all over the world will participate in The Great Backyard Bird Count.
Here’s how it works: Simply watch birds for 15 minutes or more, at least once over the four days, February 12-15, 2021, and share what you see at Great Backyard Bird Count online.
In honor of The Great Backyard Bird Count, we caught up with Wright Library associate Melissa, who began birding a few years ago. We also have a great list of bird-related books and materials, including one Melissa credits with helping her identify bird songs and calls.
More about Melissa's favorite birds and birding resources >
Library Foundation celebrates successful Annual Campaign Feb. 3, 2021
Thanks to contributions from generous donors, the 2020 Annual Campaign to support Wright Memorial Public Library exceeded its goal by nearly $10,000.
Created in 1997, the Foundation was formed to operate exclusively for the purpose of advancing the library's goals, objectives, and priorities.
In recent years, contributions have been used to fund a new curbside book drop, laptops for computer classes; writing workshops and author visits; the Far Hills Music Series; the gingerbread house competition, staff training; the library’s book bike; new early learning toys; makerbox, Wonderbooks, and Playaway collections.
The Foundation is also a proud partner in the library’s summer reading club, funding books for children who reach reading milestones throughout the summer.
The Foundation accepts financial gifts year round. Visit wrightlibrary.org/foundation for giving information.
New! FreegalMusic service - free with your library card Jan. 27, 2021
Wright Library now offers its cardholders access to Freegal®Music. Freegal is one of the most popular music services in the world, with over 2.5 million users and it is exclusive to libraries.
Download for your phone, tablet, or desktop.
Enjoy unlimited access via download and streaming to over 15 million songs, including Sony Music’s catalog of legendary artists. In total the collection is comprised of music from over 40,000+ labels with music that originates in over 100 countries. There is no software to download, and there are no digital rights management (DRM) restrictions.
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Pop-Up Exhibit in Wright Library features Ohio Women Authors Jan. 7, 2020
Ohio Women Authors, a Pop-Up Exhibit from the National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center
An exhibit featuring Virginia Hamilton and Anna Arnold Hedgeman is on display in the library. Three informational panels with images and document scans from the NAAMCC’s archival collection is supplemented with treasured books from the NAAMCC’s collection (for in-library use only). On display through January. Extend your learning even farther with a special program for elementary-age children on Saturday, January 23: Who Was Virginia Hamilton?
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Wright Library named Five-Star Library in national ranking Dec. 28, 2020
"We are ecstatic to have received the 5-Star designation," said Library Director Kristi Hale. "It affirms just how deeply the community values and uses our services and collections.”
The Library Journal index, based on 2018 statistics, measures how much the local community uses key services of their public library compared to peer libraries. Wright Library received a 3-Star rating in 2017, and a 4-Star rating in 2018 and 2019.
The five-star rating is the library's first since Library Journal began the rating system thirteen years ago.
Updated WMPL Mobile App Dec. 15, 2020
Wright Library's mobile app has a fresh look, is easier to use, and comes loaded with many features, including:
- Cleaner, more user-friendly interface including an browsable book carousel with featured titles
- Easier management of holds and renewals
- One-time login — saves your account so you don’t have to log in each time
- Ability to store multiple accounts
- On-screen virtual library card, so you always have your card with you to scan at checkout
- Improved in-app catalog searching—filter by format, limit search by title, author, subject, and more
- Easy access to remote printing and other online library resources
If you already use the app and don't have the new icon (blue door with white background) check your device preferences to initiate the update.
Patrons installing Wright Library’s Mobile App for the first time will be able to find it by searching Wright Library on the App Store (for iPhone/iPads) or Play Store (for Android).
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The first phase of renovation is now underway at Wright Library Dec. 14, 2020
Last week, the library began moving portions of its book collection into short-term storage for safekeeping during the work. The books will return to the library after construction is completed.
"No fear, these books are coming back," said Wright Library Operations Coordinator Brian Potts.
Portions of the mystery, biography, nonfiction, and sci-fi collections are being stored off site. Patrons looking for a book that is in storage are encouraged place a hold through the library's Interlibrary loan search in the library's online catalog or via Wright Library mobile app.
Interlibrary loan provides Wright Library patrons access to millions of titles from other libraries. Borrowers use their Wright Library card to check out the item and will pick it up at Wright Library a few days later.
More about Wright Library's Revitalization Project >
Out and about with virtual field trips this holiday break Nov. 30, 2020
Go someplace with Wright Library this holiday break. 13 fun virtual trips are planned Dec. 20 - Jan. 6.
- Pro Football Hall of Fame
- Dr. Seuss Museum
- Ernest Warther Museum
- Cleveland Museum of Natural History
- Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art
- Columbus Museum of Art
A variety of outings are planned to suit families, elementary ages, tweens, and teens.
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How to use Curbside Delivery Nov. 13, 2020
Did you know you can have your library materials delivered to your car? Putting books on hold and scheduling Curbside Pickup is a great way to help the library remain a safe place in the community.
It's simple three-step process:
1. Place a hold request
2. Wait for notification that your items are ready
3. Then schedule a pickup time and call (937) 294-7171 when you arrive.
We are happy to put the books in your passenger side or trunk for a non-contact delivery.
Learn more: https://www.wrightlibrary.org/curbside
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Library receives $500,000 major gift for facility Oct. 28, 2020
Donor credits Wright Library for his love of reading and knowledge of investing.
When David L. Flory was growing up in Oakwood, Ohio, he spent countless hours at Wright Memorial Public Library checking out books and learning about financial investing.
Flory, now a retired attorney and investor, is giving back to the institution to which he credits much of his life success with a $500,000 gift to support the library’s upcoming building renovation.
The Wright Memorial Public Library Foundation is pleased to announce Flory’s gift as the first major donation to a $1.5 million private capital campaign for the building project.
The Next Chapter: Wright Library Revitalization Project Oct., 2020
Wright Library is taking steps to begin renovation in early 2021. To be efficient with limited resources, needed repairs and replacements will be paired with updates to better meet the needs of today’s library users. The project is estimated to take about one year to complete.
The 2021 construction will revitalize the remaining portion of the library not renovated during the 2018 historic restoration to 21st century standards.
In the photo: Core sampling taken in Oct. 2020 near the future Parkside Entrance of Wright Library
Access millions more titles through new partnerships Sept. 29, 2020
While Wright Library patrons have had access to interlibrary loans in the past, a new partnership with with SeachOhio and OhioLINK expands access to millions more physical items beyond Wright Library's local collection. If a book, audiobook, CD, or DVD is not in the Wright Library catalog patrons may request it through a statewide consortium of public and academic libraries. Once the materials arrive, patrons will receive a notice via email or phone that the items are ready for pickup at Wright Library. Learn more at wrightlibrary.org/ill.
In the photo, Circulation Coordinator Dianne Tankersley visited Bexley Public Library to learn best practices and safety procedures before implementing the new interlibrary loan system at Wright Library.
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Five things to know about the November 3 Election Sept. 14, 2020
1. Anyone can vote absentee – you do not need to have a reason. You will need to request your absentee ballot from the Board of Elections, and you can do that now! Ballots will be mailed in October. Absentee ballots WILL NOT be automatically mailed to voters; you need to submit your absentee ballot request before October 31. Do it as soon as you can, and return your ballot promptly to avoid mail delays.
2. You can track the status of your ballot request and your absentee ballot to see if it has been received by the Board of Elections. You can also check your voter registration status and find your polling place. Use the Voter Toolkit here: https://www.sos.state.oh.us/elections/voters/toolkit
3. If you plan to vote in person, your polling place may have changed; for example, many polling places that were located in Senior Living Facilities have been moved to other locations. Check your polling location here: https://www.ohiosos.gov/elections/voters/toolkit/polling-location
4. You can vote early in person by going to the Board of Elections during early voting hours. Find more information here: https://www.montgomery.boe.ohio.gov/early-voting
5. The Covid-19 pandemic means many things are different this time around. You should plan now how and when you are going to vote. Lines may be long if you wait until Election Day. Voting early or by absentee ballot may be the best option for you!
***If you are not registered to vote, you have until October 5 to update your registration.***
Forms and information are available at the library and at this website: https://www.ohiosos.gov/elections/voters. If you have questions, librarians are ready to help you – stop by the library or call 937-294-7171.
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Wright Library debuts a virtual lineup for fall programs Sept. 11, 2020
A new calendar of events includes programs for all ages, with some streamed on Facebook and others available through Zoom. Register for Zoom-based programs online at wrightlibrary.org/calendar or by calling the library at 937 294-7171.
New programs include art appreciation, a craft program, and a weekly show & tell for elementary students; a new group for teens focused on unity and service, and an informal discussion group for parents to talk about education.
For adults, the Far Hills Speaker Series, which focuses on local history, returns monthly as does a book club, poetry writing group, writing technique series, the Let’s Talk series of discussion on race, and more.
See more about September programs >>
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Voting information and forms Aug. 25, 2020
Both voter registration forms and absentee ballot applications are available at Wright Memorial Public Library. The forms can be found outside the library near the entrance or inside by request at the information desk. Library staff are available to assist with voter registration.
According to the Ohio Secretary of State's office, you must register or update your voter registration no later than 30 days prior to an election. The voter registration deadline for the Nov. 3 General Election is Oct. 5. If you register or update your information after the deadline, the change will apply for the next election.
Both absentee voting by mail and early in-person voting begin Oct. 6.
Absentee ballots must be requested by noon Oct. 31.
More information can be found at voteohio.gov or by calling Wright Library at 937 294-7171.
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NoveList: Find what you love to read Aug 17,2020
While in-person browsing limited at the library, start using NoveList to target the next titles on your reading list. An abundance of search filters make NoveList a go-to database for avid readers and librarians searching for their next books and recommendations.
Sign in with your library card and search by author, title, series, or genre and NoveList will find your book and offer read alikes based on your search filter. Search by setting, time period, or mood to begin taking advantage of the power of this database. NoveList links to the library catalog showing how many copies Wright Library has in print and electronic versions.
Not just for adults! Narrow searches by age: adult, teen, 9-12, 0-8, or search NoveList K-8 for titles filtered for children's/YA titles. Watch a 3 minute video to see a demonstration of search functions in the NoveList K-8.
Oakwood Scene Aug.-Sept. 2020 Aug. 13, 2020
Serving Oakwood in the Extraordinary and Ordinary- When Wright Library made the necessary but difficult decision to close its building during the pandemic, few could fathom the impact of the coming months.
Now as the library’s leaders continue to evolve library services to the community, they also must plan for unforeseen budget cuts due to decreased state tax dollars. With the budget projections estimating a 20 percent cut in state funding for 2020-2021, the library is closely watching and reducing expenses as it prepares for the future.
The Wright Library Gem City Riders want YOU Aug 2, 2020
Do you love to bike and love the library? Join The Wright Library Gem City Riders or make a donation to support the team in the 2020 Tour de Gem Virtual Bike Challenge!
Tour de Gem is a fundraising cycling event for local nonprofits to raise money and bring awareness to their important missions. This is a fun, family-friendly way for cyclists of all ages and abilities to have a positive impact in their community and explore the many Gems Dayton has to offer!
Instead of an in-person ride, participants will have a two-week window (August 21 - September 6) to ride their preferred distance/route or participate using a stationary/spin bike.
Learn how to join or donate at https://www.ms-stride.org/tourdegem/profiles/team/20
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Magazines from Wright Library July 21, 2020
From Vogue to This Old House: Fine Cooking to Newsweek...
Enjoy all of the most recent issues of many popular publications in the comfort of home, including the current newsstand copy. The checkout period for all magazines is 7 days.
Prefer to read on your device? Checkout a magazine from the digital collection.
FAQ's about visiting Wright Library July 9, 2020
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Will I need to wear a mask?
Yes. masks will be available if you do not have one.
Is the children's room open?
No, a limited portion of the library is accessible at this time. A staff member monitoring numbers at the front door will let patrons into the library in the order in which they arrive.
What if I'm not ready or able to come into the library?
- Hold pickups by appointment will continue at the front door of the library.
- Oakwood residents who are permanently or temporarily unable to visit the library may participate in the homebound delivery service, Wright to Your Home.
- Patrons are encouraged to use our digital collections when possible. Use NoveList to search by genre, read-alikes, and popular picks to find books you'll want to check out.
More about the library's reopening >>
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Summer slide is a popular term that refers to learning loss that occurs while kids are on summer vacation. Wright Library's Summer Reading Club is a fun and interactive way to encourage reading and learning throughout the summer months.
Wright Library's Miss Jacqui is collecting other great resources for homegrown education here>>
Oakwood Scene June-July 2020 June 15, 2020
"Digital Content: Using Wright Library Streaming Services On Your TV Want a movie night at home for free? Use your library card! Many people access Wright Library’s streaming services - such as Kanopy and hoopla digital, on their phones or tablets. But you can also access them on most televisions. Both Kanopy and hoopla can be accessed through TV streaming devices such as Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, and Chromecast. You can also connect your computer to your TV with an HDMI cable to watch on the larger screen."
Read the rest of the story on pg. 11 of Oakwood's bimonthly newsletter >
**note: Pre-School Story Hour at Smith Gardens listed on pg. 4 is cancelled due to COVID-19**
What's happening inside Wright Library? June 10, 2020
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Staff is busy preparing the building for a safe re-opening. Here's a sneak peek at some of the changes.
- Isolated self checkout kiosks
- Social distance in the computer lab
- Plexiglass at service counters
- Quarantine of returned materials
Creating a space for conversations about race June 6, 2020
Wright Memorial Public Library is committed to providing opportunities for the community to talk openly and honestly about racism.
Central to this effort is our Let’s Talk initiative, an event series that began in 2018 to promote in-depth conversations, intentional community, respect, active listening, and problem-solving among neighbors.
The tagline of the Let’s Talk series guides the series: Talking about race can feel uncomfortable, but not talking about it allows injustice to continue.
Curbside Return and Pickup June 1, 2020
Returning Materials
Curbside Returns are accepted 10 a.m.-1p.m. and 2-5 p.m., Monday through Saturday on the Telford side of the library. Extended weekday hours to 7 p.m begins Monday, June 1.
Placing holds & scheduling curbside pickup
Wright Library is now offering contactless Curbside Pickup for available holds. Find details about placing holds and scheduling pickup online at https://wrightlibrary.org/curbside or by calling 937-294-7171.
Register for Summer Reading Club May 20, 2020
Summer Reading Club is a great way to keep kids reading and learning this summer!
Wright Library's team of childhood literacy experts have planned a full schedule of livestream programs and reading incentives to engage readers from pre-K through high school.
There's a Summer Reading Challenge for adults too! Read books and share how you are safely enjoying your community to earn entries into weekly prize drawings from May 20 through Aug. 7.
Voters approved a 1.5 mill levy for Wright Memorial Public Library April 28, 2020
"We are very pleased to have the support of the Oakwood community," said Library Director Kristi Hale. "We did not take this issue lightly; we know Oakwood taxes are high, and taxpayers deserve and expect a high return on investment. Now, amidst this unprecedented health crisis, we will need this local tax support more than ever as we face a new round of decreases in state funding."
The 1.5 mill levy will provide Wright Library with needed funds of approximately $475,000 per year to continue offering quality materials, services, staff, and programs. 67 percent voted in favor of the measure.
"This levy will allow us to maintain our 4-Star services as well as repair and update our facility to make it more accessible, efficient, and usable," Hale said. "We are very excited to make our great library even better!"
A video message from Wright Library April 21, 2020
It's National Library Week and we miss you! 
See if you recognize some familiar library faces in this video update from your friends at the library.
We can't wait to see you back again ... until then, learn how you can find the library at your place!
Find the library at your place: Poster contest April 18, 2020
In celebration of National Library Week 2020, the Wright Library is holding a Poster Contest! Since 1958 the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the United States have used National Library Week to celebrate libraries, librarians, and readers.
“Every year, the ALA announces a national slogan and releases a poster for National Library Week,” explains Jacqui Taylor, Youth Services Coordinator. “We love to encourage patrons to express themselves at the library--to contribute to the displays and art and so many of the choices made at the library. That’s why we are holding a Poster Contest for National Library Week 2020.”
When the library building closes, storytime goes online April 14, 2020
Before the coronavirus pandemic, a normal Tuesday for Sarah Kallile and her daughter Lucy included a trip to storytime at Wright Memorial Public Library. There, Lucy would delight in the music, stories, and playtime led by librarian Karen Mills.
Today, Tuesdays look different. Across town, Mills is in her home, recording a storytime to be broadcast on the library’s Facebook page. Kallile is in her own living room, setting up a laptop so two-year-old Lucy can tune in.
When Wright Library closed its building in mid-March, its librarians began to plot how to move storytimes and other programming online. Mills now leads her three weekly storytimes virtually. Babies, toddlers, and preschoolers are watching from home with their families.
Wright Library adds Dial-a-Story April 11, 2020
Does your little one have time for a 3 minute story?
Dial-a-Story at (937) 234-7527 to hear a story read by your Wright Library Youth Services Librarians. Save the number in your contacts to have it handy!
A new story is ready each night at 7 p.m.
Visit the Youth Services page to learn more about library resources that are available for infant, toddler, elementary, and teen learners.
During the stay at home order, Wright Library extends eCard access April 11, 2020
Wright Library has a vast online collection of resources perfect for reading, learning, and passing time during the stay at home orders due to COVID-19. Any Ohio resident without a card to Wright Library is encouraged to apply for an eCard to gain access to the digital resources.
Typically, eCards are intended for patrons who do not already have a Wright Library card, but library officials temporarily extended access to include patrons with accounts blocked due to overdue fines during the closure.
Library staff is answering emails and phones Monday-Friday: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., Saturday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m if you have difficulty applying online.
Getting Through This Together Challenge April 9, 2020
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This Bingo-style challenge presents the best of the library's FREE online resources plus some other fun activities to do at home and the chance to win some library swag!
Download your bingo card. This pdf is chocked full of clickable links to resources and entertainment. Check off the bingo activities as you go.
Once you fill 5 in a row (vertically, horizontally, or diagonally), yell BINGO and submit your card on the Bingo! form, or email it to reference@wrightlibrary.org. If you cannot share the completed card by these methods, call us (937-294-7171). You'll be entered in a prize drawing for Wright Library goodies.
Applications for Absentee Ballots are now available outside Wright Library April 8, 2020
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Library staff will periodically sanitize the lid and restock the applications, but citizens are encouraged to exercise caution and follow these guidelines from the CDC bit.ly/cdcGuide
Requiest a ballot by submitting an Absentee Ballot Application (due to Board of Elections no later than noon, April 25)
At wrightlibrary.org/vote, find
* How to vote by mail in the Primary
* Printable version of the application
* Election FAQs
Storytime: Helping Kids Understand Why People are Wearing Masks April 7, 2020
During the April 7 edition of Terrific Tales, Wright Library's Karen Mills talks directly to children ages 3, 4, and 5 years old about why they may see neighbors, family members, and others in their community wearing masks.
In the video, Miss Karen begins talking about masks at the 53 second mark, answering questions children may have such as:
Is this mask a costume?
Can a person still talk when they have a mask on?
Are people who are wearing the masks scary or bad people?
Will I get sick?
For parents, she also recommends this helpful resource: https://www.zerotothree.org/
"Free" borrows from Hoopla's Bonus Borrow Collection April 1, 2020
Who doesn't love something free? Patrons and libraries can thank hoopla for introducing Bonus Borrows.
Bonus Borrows is hoopla's response to increased demand in digital borrowing caused by libraries closing due to COVID-19. This special collection will not count toward the monthly lending limits and is totally FREE for libraries!
The new Hoopla Bonus Borrow collection features more than 1000 popular tittles curated from each section of Hoopla. This collection categories curated by age, interest, and media type: eBooks, eAudiobooks, workouts, TV, movies, comics, and more.
Monday Lunch Doodle with Mo Willems March 16, 2020
Mo Willems, one of the world's most beloved authors for children, announced a regular Monday doodle session. In a press release Willems said, “I know a lot of you guys are not in school. You’re at home right now, because of all the things that are going on. Well guess what? I’m at home, too. We’re gonna hang out together. Matter of fact, I’m really looking forward to it.”
Monday, March 16 at 1 p.m. EST, kicks off the weekday series of lunchtime meetups where kids of all ages can doodle alongside Willems. The series is hosted by the Kennedy Center where Willems is the current Education Artist in Residence.
Videos will be posted on Willems page at the Kennedy Center website, and students are encouraged to send him questions at LUNCHDOODLES@kennedy-center.org.
View the announcement for this series on YouTube
No or reduced wait on most digital book titles March 16, 2020
Give CloudLibrary a try! It keeps all your devices in-sync so you can pick up reading from any device exactly where you left off and if you're looking for literary classics, CloudLibrary should be your first stop to search for well-loved, lovingly remembered titles.
Our digital download apps give you 24/7 access to online material while our library is temporarily closed and setting up your account is easy-peasy. Download CloudLibrary from Google Play or the App Store to get started today and check out our website for more fun and informative apps.
Use your Wright Library card to access Kanopy Kids! March 14, 2020
Good news for parents and children from Kanopy!
In response to public library branch closings, Kanopy is now offering a "collection of films that your community can watch at no cost to your library for the next 30 days. Watching these titles will not deduct play credits from your patron's account," plus they're offering unlimited Kanopy Kids access.
Kanopy offers children’s programming with Kanopy Kids, including educational and engaging videos for children of all ages that promote positive social and emotional development and inspire creativity. Kanopy has partnered with Common Sense Media™ to provide developmentally appropriate age ratings for videos on Kanopy Kids.
Which storytime is best for your child? March 4, 2020
Early literacy is at the heart of Wright Library's mission.
Wright Library offers a mix of storytimes throughout the week, plus frequent weekend programming for kids and families.
Find out which storytime is right for you.
Visit Wright Library's Youth Services page for additional resources for children and tweens and teens.
Homebound delivery makes a difference Feb. 26, 2020
Any Oakwood resident who is permanently or temporarily unable to visit the library may participate in Wright to Your Home. Requests can be made by phone or online at wrightlibrary.org/delivery, and the materials are delivered and returned by library staff.
“Many of the patrons we deliver to tell us we’re lifesavers, which may seem a bit much, but for someone who cannot get out, a good book or film, can make a significant difference in their enjoyment of life. Not everyone who wants to make use of the library can physically come to the library,” said Wright Library’s Adult Services Coordinator Brian Potts.
Wright Library earns four-star rating Jan. 19, 2020
Wright Memorial Public Library earned a four-star rating in the 2019 Library Journal Star Library Report, ranking 19th overall among libraries of its size in the nation.
This is the second consecutive four-star rating for Wright Library. The Library Journal index, based on 2017 statistics, measures how much the local community uses key services of their public library compared to peer libraries. The five services measured are circulation, visits, program attendance, public internet use, and Wi-Fi sessions.