Photograph of Librarian Rachel Alexander with Children at a Halloween Storytime

Pictured here is children's librarian Rachel Alexander dressed as a witch, along with children attending her Halloween storytime at the Old Worthington Library. She is shown standing in the middle, with children sitting on either side dressed up as a wolf, a clown, a duck and others. The storytime took place in the story area, with a mural of animals such as an emu, a walrus and a camel painted on the wall in the background. The children sit on an elevated, carpeted platform that was built into the floor.

The Worthington Public Library operated at 752 High Street from 1927 to 1979, when the Old Worthington Library location opened in a newly constructed facility at 805 Hartford Street (now 820 High Street). From 1996 to 1997, the library underwent extensive renovations, including a refurbished children's area known as Bookingham Forest, complete with three-dimensional portraits and paintings of characters from children's books.

Rachel Alexander worked for Worthington Libraries from 1976 to 1985, and again from 1997 to 2008; during that time she served many roles, including community services librarian, children’s librarian, youth services manager and youth services materials selector. Additionally, she served as chairperson for the Jo Osborne Award, leading a committee of librarians and teachers who selected the winners each year.