News release - The Barrie Public Library
Check it out! A vending machine for books is the newest addition to the East Bayfield Community Centre and Allandale Recreation Centre.
An initiative of the Barrie Public Library, the BPL on the GO kiosks are stocked weekly with popular adult, teen and children’s books. Library members can borrow and return items in a few easy steps.
Simply scan your library card and enter your PIN, open the door, and take the books you’d like to borrow, or place your returns on the shelf. When the door closes, the RFID scanner checks to see what has been added or removed. It will then check the items in or out and display a summary on the screen. Books that have been borrowed from any library location can be returned through the kiosks.
“At the library, we’re constantly working to bring convenient and accessible library services to more areas of the city,” said Lauren Jessop, CEO of the Barrie Public Library. “This is one more step forward for our growing system, and we are so thrilled to be able open the kiosks to the public.”
These kiosks are in the perfect spot to reach those who are using these great facilities and make it a one-stop-shop. They were unveiled at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 6.
“We are passionate about improving literacy rates, increasing access to information, and building lifelong readers,” adds Laura LaFleshe, Manager of Collections. “We know people are busier than ever. These kiosks will really help make it easier on families who are running around after work or using the facilities on their lunch break.”
LaFleshe told Barrie 360 that the kiosks are stocked with bestsellers - the ones you might not find on the library shelves, but on shelves at Chapters.
"We also chose books that are maybe quick reads," said LaFleshe. "So, if you're here watching your kids at swimming practice, there's something that you could read just in one visit and return to the kiosk."
The kiosks are located at the East Bayfield Community Centre just inside the main entrance off Stanley Street, and at the Allandale Recreation Centre up the ramp towards the gym.
To learn more, visit the Barrie Public Library’s website: barrielibrary.ca/kiosks
- With files from Barrie 360
Feature image - Barrie 360
