Two Kentucky Shell Stations Add Library Books
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- Library books are not for libraries anymore. One county in Kentucky has joined with two gas stations and one retail establishment to make accessing library materials more convenient.
LEID Products LLC, the maker of electronic locker and cabinet storage with biometric asset protection and control, has installed a third Library-on-the-GO (LOTG) location for the Madison County Public Library at the at Dishman's Shell west of Exit 95 on Interstate 75. The new LOTG opened in late April.
"The Library-on-the-GO program helps us serve our 42,000 card holders better by giving them greater access to library materials and saving them time and gas. Use of library materials and services continues to grow in Madison County, and we're thrilled to be able to encourage that growth through this program," said Ruthie Maslin, director of Madison County's public library system. "These mini libraries offer a book drop for customers to return materials plus LEID's electronic locker system that allows customers to put books on hold and have them delivered to the Library-on-the-GO location closest to them."
The LOTG program began with its first installation in 2010. The other two locations are at Cole Moberly Shell and Dollar Valu Plus, a retail store. According to Maslin, locations for the LOTG have been chosen based on community gather points. The businesses asked to host these mini libraries, have been very welcoming and accommodating.
Madison County Public Library delivers materials to LOTG locations three times a week. The self-service mini library system encompasses LEID's Electronic Modular Access Units with keypad access and a library drop box for returning materials. The outside locations allow for 24/7 patron access. To use LOTG, patrons obtain a special LOTG sticker from one of two local library branches. Library items can be placed on hold online or by phone using the special sticker code. Patrons have three days to pick up their holds after receiving notification their materials have been delivered to their selected LOTG.
The new LOTG location at Dishman's Shell was made possible through a donation from the Madison County Athenaeum in honor of Sue Hays, the library's first director, who retired in 2010.
LEID's self-service library solutions include the option of various configurations of electronic lockers and cabinets and the option to include the self-service iLibrary Kiosk which allows patrons to browse and order library materials at the site of the mini library branch. LEID recently announced Version 2.0 of the iLibrary Kiosk, which includes enhancements to its sleek tamper proof construction and larger kiosk screen for additional security and functionality.