Library Express West Opens Feb. 6 with 24/7 Service
A new kind of library is scheduled to open in Springfield on Feb. 6: You can use it 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
It’s the Library Express West, a sheltered, outdoor kiosk. With just the swipe of your Springfield-Greene County Library card, it dispenses books, DVDs, music CDs and audiobooks. No snacks – but plenty food for thought!
The 24/7 is on the city’s west side, on the parking lot of Orchard Plaza, 3872 W. Chestnut Expressway. Besides being convenient for our west-side neighbors and businesses, it’s next to a city bus stop and the Max and Una Lilley Park. It’s also a stone’s throw from eateries like Subway, Pizza Hut and Casey’s, where you can dash in, grab a bite; then check out a book or a movie at the 24/7 and satisfy all your night-time cravings.
Library Express West will provide many of the services that you can get at our 10 brick-and-mortar libraries, but this satellite branch is completely automated and will never close.
Here’s what you can do:
- Browse the collection of about 340 items through the window, scan your library card or key in your number, type the item number, and a drawer will dispense it. You can check out multiple items during a visit.
- You can also use the touch-screen catalog to search for an item and get it then, or place an item on hold to pick up there or at another branch. From anywhere, you can go online and request an item for pickup at Library Express West.
- It’s a convenient place to return items, too, if you’re not heading near a library branch.
- Wi-Fi will be accessible around the 24/7 from 5:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Library Express West was funded by a generous grant from the Friends of the Library, with an additional Library Services and Technology Act grant through the State Library.
Everyone’s invited to the grand opening at 10 a.m. Feb. 6. Bring your library card and be among the first to experience the first 24/7 library kiosk in Missouri.
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