Library

Library Goes 24/7 with New Kiosk

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Imagine hundreds of the latest books and DVDs available at the touch of your fingertips any time of day or night and on top of that – for free! The new County Library kiosk unveiled in Kearny Mesa Friday offers just that.

“The 24/7 Library To Go is the first of its kind for the West Coast and only the second of its kind in the nation,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman Greg Cox. “It works off the movie-box concept and offers County Library cardholders access to 440 of the most popular books and DVDs round-the-clock.” 

Customers can browse the collection of available titles and then check them out on the spot with their library card. They can also search the library’s catalog, reserve books for later pickup at a particular County library branch or bookmobile and even pay late fees with a credit card.

The kiosk looks similar to a giant vending machine, measuring 8 feet tall, 13 feet wide and 5 feet deep. It was created by EnvisionWare, manufactured in China and transported by ship before taking up residence at the County Operations Center.

“Anyone visiting the campus to pick up a building permit, register to vote or apply for a job can also stop by the 24/7 Library To Go and get the latest best sellers,” said Supervisor Ron Roberts. “This is the only permanent location in my district that County library cardholders can pick up and drop off library materials.”

Supervisors Cox, Roberts and Bill Horn all put in equal amounts of Neighborhood Reinvestment Program funding toward the $225,000 cost of the self-serve kiosk.

“I’ve always been a huge advocate for libraries. That’s where I learned to read, where I discovered new worlds and fed my imagination,” said Supervisor Bill Horn. “The only thing better than a library, is 24-hour access to one any day of the week.”

“The 24/7 Library To Go is just one new way the library is using state-of-the-art technology to better serve the needs of our community,” said Library Director José Aponte. “This kiosk provides an extra layer of library service, where customers can find what they want, when they want it.”

For more information on the County Library, visit sdcl.org.

 

 

 

Tracy DeFore is a communications specialist with the County of San Diego Communications Office. Contact