Library Express West: 24/7 Access to Books, Movies and Music for All Ages
January 25, 2019 —
A new kind of public library is coming to the city’s west side that’s unique in many ways, especially one: It’s open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The Library Express West is an outdoor kiosk that’s completely automated and will never close. With just the swipe of a valid Springfield-Greene County Library card, it dispenses books, DVDs, music CDs and audiobooks. No snacks – but plenty food for thought!
Service will begin with the grand opening at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 6, at its permanent site on the city’s west side, on the parking lot of Orchard Plaza, 3872 W. Chestnut Expressway.
Besides being convenient for west-side neighborhoods 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 people can dash in, grab a bite; then walk up to the 24/7 and check out books and other entertainment.
The Library Express West will provide many of the services that visitors can get at the library district’s 10 brick-and-mortar branches. There’s something for children and young readers, teens and adults.
Here’s what you can do with a library card at Library Express West:
- Browse the collection of about 340 items through the kiosk window, scan your library card or key in your number, choose a title, 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, and you’ll get an email or text that it’s ready.
- You can return items there, too, and read about Library news and upcoming programs.
- 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. The library district will fund the maintenance and utilities costs, and lease of the lot space.
The kiosk, manufactured by Envisonware, is the first of its kind in Missouri and one of only a dozen in the United States.
The project came about in response to west-side residents’ requests for a more conveniently located library branch, said Library Executive Director Regina Greer Cooper. Residents say none of the library district’s five city branches are easily accessible to their neighborhoods and businesses.
The Library Express West is a good solution for now, she said. “The library district doesn’t yet have the money to add a new branch there. This 24-hour library allows us to provide services to an underserved area of the community without the overhead and expense of adding a new building.”
Once it’s up and running, the new kiosk will help library staff gauge area residents’ demand for library services in the event a brick-and-mortar branch is possible in the future, she said.