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.
It’s a library kiosk that allows a Springfield-Greene County Library card holder to scan the shelves and check out books, DVDs and music CDs. It can hold about 340 items. A person can also return items there; place items on hold and have them delivered there or to any other library location; and get information about upcoming library programs and events.
The library’s new “west-side story” is called the Library Express West. It’s expected to be installed by late fall on the lot of Orchard Plaza, 3848 W. Chestnut Expressway. Library District Associate Director Jim Schmidt said the new kiosk will be within walking distance of several west-side neighborhoods and businesses, the Young-Lilley Park, and it’s next to a Springfield City Utilities bus stop. Visitors can use it in any weather – it will be under a lighted, protective canopy.
It can also be a convenient stop for people traveling to and from work or school on the west side, he said.
The Library Express West is being funded with a generous grant from the Friends of the Library, with additional support from a Library Services and Technology Act grant through the State Library. The library will fund the maintenance and utilities costs, and lease of the lot space.
The kiosk, manufactured by Envisonware, will be the first of its kind in Missouri and one of only 10 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.
The library plans to announce grand opening events once the Library Express West is installed.