MidPointe Milestones: The Last 10 Years

As we enter into 2020, we like to reflect on the last decade of develpment for MidPointe Library System. The progress of the last 10 years has made Library materials and services more accessible to everyone in our service area. We are grateful for this needed growth and ability to adapt to changing technology and hope you enjoy this reflection on 10 of the most remarkable MidPointe Milestones, 2009-2019: 

1. The move in 2009 from a crowded MidPointe Library West Chester on Cox Road to, according to West Chester township administrators, a “stunning civic presence” at 9363 Centre Pointe Drive and a central gathering place for the entire community...The design of this new, nearly 50,000 square-foot library complements the neighborhood park area and adds welcoming outdoor space...The outdoor area overlooks a lake and The Square with its large clock tower and public art...” Township officials described the new library as “the focal point of West Chester’s Downtown district and a central gathering place for the entire community...” (1)  

2. Continued expansion in 2016 with the opening of MidPointe’s first-ever Monroe branch in a former one-story ranch residence at Mount Pleasant Retirement Village. The structure had been donated by Ohio Living.

3. The 2016 move of MidPointe’s Trenton branch from cramped quarters in a quaint, old Victorian-style house along East State Street to a spacious, renovated building on Edgewood Drive off West State Street. The new location houses an expanded collection of materials, community meeting room, special programs for all ages and an outdoor performance area. 

4. In 2018 MidPointe became one of only a handful of libraries in the nation to establish a branch in a shopping mall when its fifth, full-service branch opened on the top floor of Liberty Center in growing Liberty Township. Nestled between Dillard’s department store and the Cincinnati Children’s Discovery Center, MidPointe’s newest home is a convenient stop and an enjoyable visit for busy shoppers and parents, especially those with children in tow. 

5. MidPointe’s 10-year growth spurt also spawned the return in 2018 of an old friend, “The Bookmobile,” after a three-decade hiatus. Now known as the “Library On Wheels,” the colorful vehicle bearing approximately 6,000 items for borrowing primarily serves populations that have no convenient MidPointe branches, as well as over 20 local schools a month, parks, senior living facilities and various community events

6. The latest endeavor -- “Innovation Pointe – A Brand New Makerspace Experience”- is expected to open in mid-January at our West Chester location. This project will provide a creative space for children who participate in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) programs as well as a business incubator for adults. Its cutting-edge technology can be accessed on 3-D printers, a laser cutter/engraver, a vinyl printer, button makers, a sublimation printer and presses, sewing machines and film/video conversion equipment. 

7. The recent installation of “SmartLockers” in Wayne and Liberty Townships, providing 24/7 access to physical library materials that have been requested by patrons. 

8. The introduction of “e-cards” providing free, easy access to digital MidPointe materials for thousands of students and educators. 

9. The introduction of MidPointe’s first “eBook” for checkout in 2010. Never pay for digital content, as MidPointe offers those same eBooks for free! 

10. The growth of special collections which can be viewed at: www.midpointelibrary.org/page/special-collections and checked out with a free MidPointe Library card. They include: Science tool kits (with educational items such as microscopes, binoculars and telescopes), mobile hotspots, Playaway Launchpads, board games and phone, tablet and laptop chargers. 

As much as we love this walk down memory lane, we can’t help but wonder what the next 10 years will bring for your local library! 

(1) From a West Chester Township Administration press release dated November 12, 2009 : “New Library Becomes Focal Point of a Thriving, Contemporary Community”