WILMINGTON — A new way for library patrons to access books and other materials they check out is coming to the senior center.
A Library Services and Technology Act Adapting Technology grant from the state is helping pay for a holds kiosk, outfitted with 42 lockers. New Hanover County Library received $40,000 from the grant to go toward the $55,000 locker, with the $15,000 overage covered by donations.
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It will be located at the Senior Resource Center on South College Road and Shipyard Boulevard. The lockers support a maximum of 25 books per customer per locker, which can be reserved online or by calling an individual branch. Library card holders can also use the lockers to reserve DVDs, journals, audiobooks and other materials available.
“It extends the library’s reach in the community without increased facility costs,” according to library director Dana Conners.
Operational this spring, lockers can be chosen as a pickup location over the other four library branches when customers place holds.
To operate the HoldIt lockers, a program by D-tech, library workers scan the hold items and allocate the appropriate locker. A receipt is printed with a barcode for couriers to scan when loading the lockers; after, the machine automatically unlocks each cubby to place items in.
When patrons arrive at the locker for pickup, they simply scan their library card and the screen displays hold items, unlocks the locker and informs the user which to access.
Items return to the shelves if not picked up within five days after the hold. Patrons can return the materials to any branch or near the holds locker, which will have a return bin installed.
“This project will increase access for seniors who lack transportation to a library branch and those needing a contactless option for picking up holds,” Conners said.
The grant was submitted by former director Paige Owens, who retired in November. She noted in the application that older adults heavily utilized library reserves in 2020 and 2021, equaling roughly 196,000 items scheduled for pick-up service.
“Curbside service was utilized by senior adults during COVID lockdown, but there was not adequate staff to sustain the service long-term,” Owens wrote in the grant’s paperwork.
However, the centrally located locker in midtown will be accessible for multiple demographics. The Senior Center is located to nearby Hoggard High and Roland Grise Middle schools and surrounding neighborhoods in the Long Leaf Park area.
It’s convenient to public transportation, with a bus stop close by, and is handicap accessible. A lighted walkway illuminates the locker for library patrons to safely gain access 24/7.
Conners added there is an opportunity to add other lockers if more funding becomes available.
“This holds locker will help us gauge interest from the community, as well as how much staff time and resources are needed to maintain a holds locker,” Connors said.
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