NOTL library books it to Virgil arena
Novel Branch machine, book lockers bring services to the community
Finally have a chance to sit down with a good book but can’t make it to the library? No problem, Niagara-on-the-Lake Public Library has you covered.
A new Novel Branch vending machine and book lockers recently installed at Meridian Centennial Arena in Virgil are designed to help bring the library’s services to the community, rather than relying on book-lovers having to visit the library on Anderson Lane to access them.
“We’ve really wanted to put self-service access wherever we can,” said library CEO Cathy Simpson. “This technology really makes this doable. This is the library reaching out into the community.”
The key to usage of the Novel Branch or lockers is all in a client’s library card.
To use the Novel Branch, a user needs only to scan their card to gain access to the books onsite. Thy can then choose which books they want, said Matt Furlong, IT co-ordinator for the library.
“It uses RFID (radio frequency identification) technology,” Furlong said, adding the once a user closes the door, a receipt is printed. “Then the remaining inventory is scanned.”
That helps the library keep track of what books have been checked out, Furlong said. So how do the lockers work?
According to Furlong, when a customer reserves a book online, an email is sent to library staff, which in turn, has the book delivered to the arena locker.
“The client can then scan their card and the appropriate locker will open,” Furlong said. “Users can also return books to the locker as well. They can also be returned at the branch.”
Library tech Sarah Bowers, meanwhile, said being at the arena has its benefits.
“Because of the hours here at the arena, you have from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. to get a book and you don’t have to rely on the library being open.”
The lockers are not a first for the library. A similar system is already in place in St. Davids, Simpson said, adding that the library is also hoping to bring similar services to the Glendale area.
More information on the Novel Branch and lockers is available at https://notlpubliclibrary.org.