Library Services

Community Room and Other Meeting Room

The J. R. Clarke Public Library provides an large Community Room, a Historical Alcove, and a Library Parlor for public and library use. The following guidelines are enforced:

  • All rooms are available for organized non-profit groups. The Library encourages the community to use these areas when they are not in use for library related activities.
  • The areas are also available to organized non-profit groups that exhibit civic, cultural or educational purposes.
  • The Historical Alcove is limited to a maximum of 12 persons.
  • The Community Room is limited to a maximum of 100 persons.
  • The Library Parlor is limited to a maximum of 4 persons.
  • The use of each room must be requested prior to the event.
  • The use of the rooms is at the discretion of the Library Director as directed by the Board of Trustees.
  • Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
  • Smoking, vaping and all tobacco products are prohibited within all areas of the library property.
  • There are limited kitchen facilities available in the J.R. Clarke Community Room. Groups using the Historic Alcove and/or the Community Room may not charge admission, take up a collection, or use such devises as selling tickets marked “Donation”. The only exceptions are in the case of paid registration necessary to meet expenses for a one or two-day institute.
  • The payment of fees for adult and children’s educational courses, conducted by an established organization, or collection of membership dues are permitted.
  • Children 5th grade and under are to be supervised at all times.
  • An application for use of all rooms are to fully completed and approved by the Library Director no later than one week before the event. Applications are available at the circulation desk.
  • Additional rules and regulations are attached to the library facility areas.
  • A reasonable donation is requested for use of the Community Room facility.

Friends of the Library Book Sales

The Friends of the J. R. Clarke Public Library normally have two annual book sales. One is held in the spring and one is in the fall. The proceeds from these book sales help support our children’s reading programs. Donations for the book sales may be made to the library (J.R. Clarke Public Library). Anyone wanting to help with the sales or other Friend activities should contact the library.

Community Bulletin Boards

The library has one community bulletin board located at the south wall inside the library, close to the elevator. If wanting to place a “notice” on the bulletin board, ask the librarian on duty to review the information before it is posted. The library has the right to reject a postings deemed inappropriate or offensive to other patrons. Postings will be discarded after the publicized event.

Community Room (Lower Level) and Historical Alcove (Upper Level)

  • SMARTBoard with Speakers for organizational and business usage (FREE instruction on usage)
  • A TV and DVD player is available for use.
  • A full kitchen area is available for use.
  • The “Clarke’s Quest” Makerspace includes a variety of equipment and materials patrons can utilize to create their own crafts, cards, jewelry and a variety of other materials. Assistance from the library staff must be requested to begin an activity.
  • All types of workshops, classes, educational instruction have sign-up sheets available at the circulation desk.
  • Developmental StoryTime are on Tuesdays at 9:00am & 10:30am.
  • “Keep Moving” Exercise Classes are Wednesdays and Fridays at 9:30 am.
  • Junior High “Hodge Podge” is from 3:15 pm to 4:15 pm on the first Wednesday of each month.
  • “Epic Wonders Book Club” for women meets at 10:30 am on the first Thursday of each month.
  • The Covington American Legion meets the first Monday of each month from 6:00 pm to 7:00pm.
  • “Adult Cards an Games” meet the first Thursday of each month 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.
  • “Lego Landing” for grades K-5 meets the last Monday of every month from 3:15 pm to 4:15 pm.
  • Premier Health is available (FOR FREE) the second Tuesday of every month to check blood pressure and blood glucose from 9:00 am to 10:45 am in the Historical Alcove.
  • Additional activities are available every month. Please check the monthly calendar and sign up at the circulation desk.

Stillwater Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Delivery

A librarian visits the Stillwater Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation (formerly Covington Care Center) on a monthly basis to deliver books, movies and periodicals to the residents of the facility. Residents of the facility may request certain book titles or authors on a weekly basis and library staff will deliver their requests and return to pick up the items a week later. We have a variety of large print books, movies and periodicals suitable for circulation. Residents, or immediate family members of the residents, may contact the library to submit a request on the items they wish to receive. Call 937-473-2226 and ask for Erin Dillon or Jessica Stafford for assistance. There is no charge for this service.

Displays and Exhibits

  • The library has two display cases. One at each entrance.
  • The library is happy to provide space for displays of an educational, cultural, civic or recreational nature.
  • Space is not provided for commercial, political or religious purposes.
    The library shall have the final decision on the content and arrangement of all displays and exhibits.
  • Anyone wishing to reserve a display case must fill out a request form located at the desk.
  • Displays are generally on display for one month.
  • The J. R. Clarke Public Library assumes no liability for items displayed or exhibited.

Early Literacy Stations

  • The library has 4 Early Literacy Station computers.
  • The computers are located in the children’s area.
  • The computers specialize in educational games and activities for preschool children as well as elementary school age children.
  • The Internet is not available on Early Literacy Stations.

Ellison Die Cut Machine

  • The library has an Ellison Die Cut Machine with 59 designs.
  • The designs are available to the public.
  • Bring in your paper and a staff member will cut the designs for you.
  • Please call ahead and allow a couple of days for the designs to be cut if you need a large quantity.

Fax Service

  • $.25 per page for the first 10 pages
  • FREE after the first 10 pages
  • COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS – See Director
    .02 cents b/w per one side; .10 cents color per one side

Home Delivery

The J. R. Clarke Public Library will deliver and pick up books to those individuals deemed as invalids or home bound and unable to come to the library. This pertains primarily to our elderly patrons living in the Covington area. If you would like to have books delivered to your home you must call the library and make this request. The library reserves the right to limit this service to those individuals they are certain are unable to visit the library and live within the Covington area.

J.R. CLARKE ALCOVE (Reference & Genealogy)

Available for FREE usage and FREE instruction

  • SCANPro 3000 Digital Genealogy Machine
  • Computer & Printer
  • Ellison Die Cutting Lettering Machine
  • Cricut Scrapbooking Machine
  • Binding Machine
  • Room can be reserved for study or meetings (Available by reservation)

Library to School – LTS Program/Teacher Requests

The staff of the J. R. Clarke Public Library selects and delivers books to the Covington Elementary classrooms 8 times during the school year. Teachers may email book requests to the library. We will honor the requests as closely as possible. Teachers may request any number of books. Usually between 25 to 40 books are delivered to each classroom.

Microfilm Reader/Printer

  • The library has the Miami County Census from 1820 through 1900 on microfilm.
  • All Covington High School Yearbooks from 1950 to 2019 are available for use on the Microfilm Reader/Printer.
  • The library has the Stillwater Valley Advertiser from July 1926 through December 2000 on microfilm.
  • The microfilm reader/printer is available in our local history/reference room.

Notary Public

  • A library staff member is a Notary Public. It would be advisable to call to assure she is on duty when you need her. (473-2226)
  • A photo ID is required when using this service.
  • All signatures must be made in the Notary’s presence. Do not sign forms before entering the library.
  • There is no charge for this service.

Ohio Golden Buckeye Card Application

  • Ohio residents who hold a current Ohio Driver’s License or State ID card automatically receive a Golden Buckeye Card in the month of their 60th birthday.
  • Individuals who do not have a current license or State ID, as well as people under age 60 who are eligible due to a disability, or who otherwise do not receive their card automatically may apply for a card at the J. R. Clarke Public Library.
  • You must show your driver’s license or other State ID when applying.
  • If you are disabled please bring verification of your disability status.
  • Visit the official Ohio Golden Buckeye Card site for more information.

Photocopies, Binding and Lamination Services

PHOTOCOPIES (Black and White)

  • $.10 Per Page (Any Size)
  • $.15 Per Page Two-Sided (Any Size)
  • $.15 Any Scanned (Each Side)
  • $.15 Any Scanned Each Side
  • Other – See Staff or Director
  • 20% off if you bring your own paper

PHOTOCOPIES (Color)

  • $.25 Per Page (Any Size)
  • $.35 Per Page Two-Sided (Any Size)
  • $.35 Any Scanned (Each Side)
  • Other Color – See Staff or Director
  • 20% off if you bring your own paper

PHOTOCOPIES SPECIALTY PAPER

  • $.10 Per Page Resume’
  • $.02 Per 20# – 65# paper (Any Color)
  • $.05 Card Stock or Construction
  • $.05 Letter Envelope (Any Size)
  • Clasp Envelope – Sm .35; Lg .40
  • Other – See Staff or Director

BINDING MACHINE (8 ½” X 11”)

  • $.25 per plastic binder comb
  • $.25 per Cover Sheet (Black)
  • No charge for staff binding booklet

LAMINATION (Pouch Laminator)

  • $1.00 Per Sheet 8 ½” x 11”
  • $.75 Per Sheet 6” x 9”
  • $.50 Per Sheet 4” x 6”
  • $.25 Per Sheet 3” x 5” (Great for business cards)

Requesting Books

The library is here to serve its patrons. If you would like a book that you do not see in our catalog, notify the librarian. If possible, we will add this request to our collection.

Reserving Books

Books by popular authors often times are requested by several patrons. If you would like to have a book reserved for you, make your request by phone, in person, or online. You will be called, emailed, or text messaged when the requested material is available for pick up. If you know you will not be able to pick up the book we would appreciate your letting us know so we can notify the next patron. Books that have a high demand may not be available for renewal.

Story Time

The J. R. Clarke Public Library offers a story time for children 3 to 5 years of age. Story time includes several activities geared for preschool aged children. It is an excellent way to prepare a preschool child for kindergarten. Our story time director has a degree in education and has taught several years in elementary school.

Story Time is held for one hour on Tuesday mornings at 9:00 and at 10:00. This may vary depending on total enrollment. Registration is required. Please inquire at the desk for registration information, or call the library for more information at (937) 473-2226.

Tax Forms

  • During tax season, the library has federal, state, city and school tax forms available.
  • The library may also be able to reproduce some tax forms.
  • Federal tax forms may be printed through the Internet at www.irs.gov.
  • State tax forms may be printed through the Internet at www.tax.ohio.gov.
  • Please remember the library staff members are not able to assist you with your tax returns.
  • If you have questions about the computer or printing, staff members may help you with these questions. However, they will not answer actual tax questions.

Test Monitoring

The library provides the service of monitoring tests for college and high school students. Contact the director or have the educational institution contact the director and a time will be set up for this testing.

Upper Valley Medical Center Wellness Nurse

An Upper Valley Medical Center nurse visits the library the second Tuesday of each month and takes blood pressure and glucose tests for our patrons. This is a free service and an excellent way to monitor your health wellness. She is here in the morning from 9:00 to 10:45.

Voter Registration/Absentee Ballot

  • Voter registration applications are available at the library.
  • Change of address and/or name applications are available at the library.
  • Absentee ballot applications are available at the library.
  • Further information on voter registration and absentee voting may be found at www.sos.state.oh.us or by calling 1-877-767-6446.