What Clark County Public Library does

Clark County Public Library (CCPL) is a publicly funded, non-profit public library system headquartered at 201 S. Fountain Ave., Springfield, Ohio, serving the residents of Clark County through seven physical branches — Main Library, Southgate, Park, Tuttle, Enon (in Enon), Houston (in South Charleston), and the newly opened Northridge Branch (~10,000 sq ft, November 2025) — supplemented by a bookmobile and homebound delivery service. The system employs approximately 70 staff and operates under a Board of Trustees with funding primarily from local government appropriations and property taxes, supplemented by Friends of the Library fundraising and ancillary fees.

CCPL delivers its services through a BiblioCommons-powered unified catalog (BiblioWeb platform) that integrates physical collections, digital lending, event registration, and patron accounts. Digital content is distributed through a multi-vendor stack including the Ohio Digital Library via Overdrive/Libby (eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines), Hoopla Digital (streaming video, music, comics), Kanopy (films and documentaries), and Freegal Music. The system also provides numerous subscription research databases (EBSCO, Gale, Morningstar Investing Center, Value Line, Weiss Financial Ratings, Consumer Reports), language learning (Mango Languages), digital literacy training (Northstar Digital Literacy, LearningExpress Library), and instructor-led online courses (Gale Courses). Beyond traditional lending, CCPL offers differentiated community services including Maker Metro (maker space), Library of Things (tool/gear lending), Seed Library (seed borrowing for residents 14+), Discovery Passes (free access to local attractions), Mobile Hotspots (WiFi device lending), and WhisperRoom (recording booth).

CCPL's revenue model is government appropriations plus ancillary: services are free to library cardholders, with the only direct user fees being overdue fines, lost-item replacement charges, and printing/copying services. Distribution is through seven branch locations plus mobile/outreach channels, and the library serves four primary customer segments — Children and Families, Teens, Adults and Lifelong Learners, and Educators — through a horizontal segmentation approach. Marketing is conducted via the library website, social media (Facebook, TikTok, YouTube), email newsletters, a podcast (The Information Place), press releases, and community events. Strategic partnerships with the Ohio Digital Library Consortium, Ohio Web Library, Second Harvest Food Bank, Springfield Symphony Orchestra, Springfield Arts Council, Clark State Theater Arts Program, and Wittenberg University extend the library's reach into food security, arts access, and educational programming.

Name

Clark County Public Library

Legal name

Clark County Public Library

Website

https://ccplohio.org

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Clark County Public Library is a publicly funded library system headquartered in Springfield, Ohio, operating seven branches plus bookmobile and homebound delivery to provide free books, digital content, educational databases, and community programs to Clark County residents of all ages.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public Library Services

NAICS

Libraries and Archives (51921), Libraries and Archives (519210)

akta.pro primary industry

Public Library Operations & Community Branch Management (EDAEAGAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Public Libraries & Information Services (BPAIACAO), Library Collections & Cataloging Services (Acquisitions, Metadata, Circulation) (EDAEAGAE), Library User Services & Information Support (Reference, Research Help, Instruction Support) (EDAEAGAL), Library-Based Learning Programs (Public Libraries) (EDAAAFAA)

Keywords

• Public library services
• Digital lending
• Community education
• Literacy programs
• Maker space

Headquarters

HQ city

Springfield

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices7 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Infrastructure, Operations, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Public Funding: As a public library system, Clark County Public Library is primarily funded through local government appropriations, property taxes, and public funding mechanisms. Services are provided free of charge to residents with library cards.
2. Donations and Fundraising: Friends of the Library organization conducts book sales and fundraising activities. The June 2026 Friends book sale raised approximately $6,058.65 through sales and memberships.
3. Fines and Fees: Library collects fines for overdue materials, replacement fees for lost items, and printing/copying fees for certain services.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Clark County Public Library provides free public library services to Clark County, Ohio residents, including lending of physical and digital materials, access to research and educational databases, community programs, and meeting spaces across seven branches plus bookmobile and homebound delivery. Distinctive offerings include Maker Metro (maker space), Library of Things (tools and gear lending), Seed Library, Discovery Passes to local attractions, Mobile Hotspots, and WhisperRoom recording booth.

Product overview

Clark County Public Library operates as a multi-branch public library system in Springfield, Ohio, offering a unified platform of traditional and digital library services. The core product is the BiblioCommons-powered digital catalog enabling patron access to physical and digital collections. The digital portfolio spans multiple streaming platforms: The Ohio Digital Library (OverDrive) for ebooks/eaudiobooks, Hoopla Digital for video/audio/content, Kanopy for films, and Freegal Music for audio. Educational databases include Northstar Digital Literacy, LearningExpress Library, Gale Courses, and Mango Languages. Research databases feature EBSCOhost products, Value Line Research Center, Morningstar, and Weiss Financial Ratings. Physical services include Maker Metro maker space, Library of Things (tools/gadgets checkout), Discovery Passes to local attractions, Mobile Hotspots, Seed Library, and the Bookmobile. Community engagement programs include the annual Summer Challenge via Beanstack, Stage for All arts access partnership, Book Clubs, and Meeting Spaces. A mobile app extends catalog access and account management to mobile devices. The library operates seven branches serving Clark County residents.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Library of Things Collection of non-traditional items including tools, gadgets, kitchen appliances, outdoor equipment, and gear available for checkout with a valid library card, extending library lending beyond books and media.
• Seed Library Program allowing Clark County residents to borrow vegetable, flower, and herb seeds for home gardening, with up to 10 seed packets per month for members ages 14 and older.
• Discovery Passes Free passes to local attractions, museums, parks, and cultural venues including Young's Dairy, Carillon Park, and Dayton Dragons games, available for checkout with library card.
• Mobile Hotspots Portable WiFi hotspot devices available for checkout to patrons who need internet access at home, supporting digital inclusion.
• Maker Metro Hands-on maker space providing access to tools, equipment, and resources for creative projects, crafts, and DIY activities at Clark County Public Library.
• WhisperRoom Recording Booth Soundproof recording booth available for patron use to create audio recordings, podcasts, or other audio projects at the library.
• Bookmobile and Homebound Delivery Mobile library services bringing books, media, and library materials to underserved areas without nearby branch access, plus delivery service for homebound patrons unable to visit library locations due to illness, disability, or other barriers.
• Stage for All Arts Access Program Free arts access program in partnership with Springfield Symphony Orchestra, Springfield Arts Council, and Clark State Theater Arts Program, providing free tickets to performances for library card holders.
• Summer Challenge Reading Program Annual reading challenge for all ages using the Beanstack platform, encouraging participants to read and complete activities to earn virtual badges and prizes.
• Notary Services Notary public services available at library locations for patron document notarization needs.
• Meeting Spaces Meeting rooms and study spaces available for public reservation at all library branches for community gatherings and programs.
• Interlibrary Loan Service allowing patrons to borrow materials from other libraries when items are not available in the Clark County Public Library collection.

Quantifiable outcome

• Free daily meals to children during summer
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

23 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• BiblioCommonscoreTechnology or IntegrationBiblioCommons provides the library's integrated platform including website, catalog, user accounts, event registration, and digital services management. The library uses BiblioWeb platform for its website and catalog operations.
• Overdrive/LibbycoreTechnology or IntegrationOverdrive provides the Ohio Digital Library collection accessible through Libby app, offering eBooks, eAudiobooks, and eMagazines for library patrons.
• Hoopla DigitalcoreTechnology or IntegrationHoopla provides streaming video, music, eComics, and digital content available free with library card.
• KanopycoreTechnology or IntegrationKanopy provides streaming video service with films and documentaries accessible through library subscription.
• EBSCOcoreTechnology or IntegrationEBSCO provides numerous research databases including Academic Search Premier, Consumer Health Complete, LearningExpress Library, NoveList, and various school-specific databases.
• Gale/CengagecoreTechnology or IntegrationGale provides research databases, Gale Courses for online learning, and Gale Presents: Udemy platform for professional development courses.
• Northstar Digital LiteracycoreTechnology or IntegrationNorthstar provides digital literacy assessments and training modules to help adults build computer and internet skills.
• BeanstackcoreTechnology or IntegrationBeanstack provides reading challenge platform for Summer Challenge, 1000 Books Before Kindergarten, and other reading programs with virtual badge rewards.
• Springfield Symphony OrchestraflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerStage for All program partner allowing library cardholders free tickets to Springfield Symphony Orchestra performances including Bugs Bunny at the Symphony, Carmen Reimagined, and other shows.
• Springfield Arts CouncilflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerStage for All program partner providing free arts programming access for library patrons through partnership with local arts organizations.
• Clark State Theater Arts ProgramflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerStage for All program partner providing free theater performances and programs for library cardholders.
• Second Harvest Food Bank of Clark, Champaign & Logan CountiescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSummer Food Program partnership providing free daily lunch to children ages 1-18 at Main Library during summer months, addressing food insecurity.
• Friends of the LibrarycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerFriends of the Library nonprofit organization conducts fundraising book sales and supports library programs including Summer Challenge. Raised approximately $6,058.65 in June 2026 sale.
• Ohio Digital Library ConsortiumcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorStatewide consortium providing shared access to Overdrive digital collections across Ohio libraries, including eBooks and audiobooks.
• Ohio Web LibrarycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOhio Web Library provides access to databases for Ohio public libraries including Chilton Auto Repair, World Book, and other research resources.
• Wittenberg UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProgramming partner for community read events including discussion of 'The Color of Law' as part of the Undesign the Redline exhibit.
• Dayton Metro LibraryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Undesign the Redline exhibit programming and community read events.
• Mango LanguagescoreTechnology or IntegrationMango Languages provides online language learning with 70+ languages and 20 ESL courses for library patrons.
• MorningstarcoreTechnology or IntegrationMorningstar Investing Center provides investment research, stock analysis, portfolio tools, and financial education resources for library users.
• Value LinecoreTechnology or IntegrationValue Line Research Center provides investment research platform with stocks, mutual funds, options analysis, and market commentary.
• Weiss Financial RatingscoreTechnology or IntegrationWeiss Financial Ratings provides transparent financial ratings, financial planning tools, and Medigap insurance planning resources.
• Consumer ReportscoreTechnology or IntegrationConsumer Reports database provides product reviews, ratings, and buying advice accessible with library card.
• TumbleBookscoreTechnology or IntegrationTumbleBookLibrary provides digital children's books including animated picture books, read-alongs, chapter books, and educational videos.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Others

• Public Library Association: The Public Library Association is the national professional association for public libraries and a division of the American Library Association. Adjacent ecosystem participant that sets standards and advocates for public libraries like CCPL.
• BiblioCommons: BiblioCommons is the technology vendor that provides CCPL's integrated catalog, account, and event platform. An ecosystem enabler rather than a competitor; comparable to Overdrive/Libby, Hoopla, and other library technology providers.

Broad incumbents

• Mid-Continent Public Library: Mid-Continent Public Library is a regional public library system in Missouri operating branch and digital services at large scale. Comparable in service model (multi-branch, digital lending, community programs) to CCPL though serving a broader geographic footprint.
• Columbus Metropolitan Library: Columbus Metropolitan Library is a much larger Ohio public library system serving Franklin County. Operates with overlapping services (digital lending, makerspaces, community programming) but at significantly greater scale and budget than CCPL.
• Cuyahoga County Public Library: Cuyahoga County Public Library is one of the largest public library systems in Ohio, serving the Cleveland area. Provides a comparable set of public library services at a substantially larger operational scale.
• Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library: Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library is a major Ohio public library system. Like CCPL, it is county-funded and offers traditional and digital library services, but at a meaningfully larger scale.

Direct peers

• Champaign County Library: Champaign County Library is a smaller Ohio public library system sharing CCPL's service area partnerships (Second Harvest Food Bank covers Clark, Champaign & Logan Counties). Comparable in rural Ohio county-scale operations and county-level tax funding model.
• Dayton Metro Library: Dayton Metro Library is a regional public library system serving the Dayton, Ohio metro area (adjacent to Clark County). Like CCPL, it is a public-funded system with multiple branches, digital lending, and community programs, and is an explicit programming partner on the Undesign the Redline exhibit.
• Greene County Public Library: Greene County Public Library is a county-level Ohio public library system operating branches in Beavercreek, Fairborn, Xenia, and Yellow Springs. Closely comparable in scale, funding model (Ohio property tax-based), and service mix to Clark County Public Library.
• Toledo Lucas County Public Library: Toledo Lucas County Public Library is an Ohio county-funded public library system operating a similar branch-network model with comparable services (makerspaces, digital lending, community programs). Larger in scale but operationally similar in structure to CCPL.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights5 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCfFboCa6yX2bxs29o3L5vlg/videos
• TikToktiktok.com/search?q=Clark%20County%20Public%20Library&lang=en
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/clark-county-public-library

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Clark County Public Library