Bexley Public Library highlights record programs, new space and community services

BEXLEY — Ben Heckman, director of the Bexley Public Library, used the State of the Community address to outline a year of growth for the library and to detail new services and partnerships while warning of statewide policy challenges.

"You're not coming to the library enough," Heckman joked to the audience before listing 2025 accomplishments: nearly a half-million checkouts (digital and physical), about 19,000 program attendees, nearly 600 youth programs, more than 9,000 meeting-room users and roughly 350 notary appointments. He credited partners such as the Bexley Community Foundation and local arts groups for author visits, music and art programming.

Heckman described new and expanding services: a large renovation project (library construction and accessibility improvements), a teen newsletter, a writer-in-residence program led this year by Grace Ellis, and an on-site social-work intern in partnership with Capital University who provides resource navigation and office hours. He said some renovation work is ongoing but the library remains open and adding features, including a back ramp and a new service point.

Heckman also raised policy concerns: "In 2025, book bans were rising," he said, and he said the state legislature cut library funding by $25,000,000 across Ohio. The library director said the community’s outreach helped limit cuts and that the library will "always stand up for your ability to have access to what you want." The transcript does not identify a state statute or bill number tied to the funding change or censorship efforts; Heckman’s comments are presented as the library’s assessment.

What’s next: the library plans new programming this spring and a phased renovation that officials said will be shaped by community feedback. The library director invited residents to the library for scheduled events and to follow project updates in the quarterly program guide and the library’s online newsletter.