THE BEXLEY ART LIBRARY TO BE LAUNCHED FALL 2020
The Submission period is now closed. Thank you to all the artists who submitted applications for their work to be included in the Bexley Art Library. The Jurying process is underway. To learn more about our artist submission process and jury please click here

WHAT IS THE BEXLEY ART LIBRARY?
The Bexley Art Library will be a circulating library of 15 original artworks by regional artists. It is the next step in Bexley Public Library's endeavor to support access for all, innovation in our services, and lifelong learning. As the library's community changes and adapts, it needs a public library that meets its needs. Our library is committed to expanding and reinterpreting the definition of, and services and programs offered at a public library. We have started non-traditional circulating collections including Wifi Hotspots, musical instruments, telescopes, and birding kits. Bexley will be the second public library in Ohio to develop a collection of art produced by regional artists and provide access to the fine arts while connecting the public to their local arts community.

WHY ART?
The BPL Art Library will provide access to the fine arts and the unique experience of “living with art” to anyone who has a Bexley Public Library card. Rather than experiencing art in an elite, often exclusive setting like a gallery or museum, anyone with a library card can check out an original work of art, just like a book, and experience it in their home. Living with original works of art allows for borrowers to experience a deeper connection and emotional engagement with the art. Studies have shown that even the simple act of viewing art can have profound health and wellness benefits.

HOW IS THE BEXLEY ART LIBRARY FUNDED?
The project is wholly funded with generous grants from the Ohio Arts Council, Bexley Community Foundation, and the State Library of Ohio.

HOW WILL IT WORK?
15 original works of art from Franklin County artists will be available for check-out with your Bexley Library Card, like a book, movie, or other BPL item. You will be able to have the work of art in your home for a loan period of 28 days.

WHEN WILL I BE ABLE TO CHECK OUT
ARTWORKS FROM THE BEXLEY ART LIBRARY?
Art will begin circulating in the Autumn of 2020.
If you have inquires about the Bexley Art Library, please contact art library organizer, Leann Schneider Webb at lschneider@bexleylibrary.org

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Two acoustic guitars and four ukuleles are available for a 28 day checkout period.

Each instrument comes with a hard case, a tuner, and two instruction books- one for adults and one for youth. The guitars also come with a strap and BPL branded guitar picks.

You can find more information here.

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These devices provide a portable, reliable, high-speed internet connection that patrons can take with them wherever they go for a 14-day checkout period.

Once checked out, the mobile hotspot can be used anywhere to get a wireless signal and connect any WiFi-enabled mobile device, laptop computer, printer, digital camera or gaming device.

Whether they are used for family road trips, field research, or a job search, these mobile hotspots with unlimited data will provide increased access to online resources twenty-four hours a day from anywhere.

Mobile Hotspot Guide

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Two birding kits, one for individuals and one for families, are available for a two-week checkout period. Each pack contains one set of binoculars, a variety of three field guides, two birding activity sheets, and a Birding Quick Start Guide. The family kit includes an extra set of compact binoculars suitable for a child or adult.

You can find information about birding kits here.

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Two telescopes are available for patrons to view astronomical events, learn more about our solar system and develop a greater appreciation for the earth’s place in the universe.

These telescope kits include EZ Finder Scopes for aiming, instructions, eyepieces for magnification, LED mini red flashlights to help with night vision, and skygazing resources.

Patrons can choose between a tabletop telescope and standing telescope. You can find lending rules for telescopes here.

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Thanks to a generous donation from the Friends of Bexley Public Library, Bexley Public Library now has circulating board games in our Adult and Youth Services departments!

We have a number of new favorites, old classics, strategy, and cooperative games that are fun for the whole family. These games can be found in our Browsing Room and Youth Services area, or in our catalog by searching for the game title. A full updated list of the games in our collection can be found at https://boardgamegeek.com/collection/user/bexleylibrary

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Bexley Public Library is now circulating Roku streaming devices. BPL patrons can stream dozens of popular TV shows and movies through the Vudu app. Each device has a collection of over two dozen movies and shows, each organized by genre.

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