The Brantford Public Library unveiled a new self-serve Library Kiosk at the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre on Monday, October 16, 2023.
The kiosk machine, which is located directly across from the Brantford and Area Sports Hall of Recognition, holds up to 150 books and can be used by any person with a Brantford Public Library card.
“The self-serve library kiosk is exciting because it provides a new access point for borrowing library materials,” explained Rae-Lynne Aramburo, Library CEO and Chief Librarian. “Now, people living in the surrounding neighbourhood, or those who are already visiting the Gretzky Centre, can quickly stop by the kiosk and take home books for their entire family.”
To borrow items from the kiosk, people simply need to scan their Library card and enter the four-digit Library PIN they created when becoming a Library member. The kiosk door automatically opens and users can browse through the collection and take out any books they please. Books removed from the kiosk are automatically checked out and the customer will get a receipt once they close the kiosk door.
There is no limit to the number of books people borrow from the kiosk, which will be continually stocked with a range of books for kids, teens and adults. Books borrowed from the kiosk can be returned to the kiosk.
Anyone who doesn’t remember their PIN can call the Library at 519-756-2220. People can get a Library card by bringing two pieces of ID to either the Main or St. Paul Library Branch. Library staff can also reactivate old Library cards that may have expired.
“As our community continues to grow, the Brantford Public Library Board continues to investigate ways to serve the entire community,” said Marion McGeein, Library Board Chair. “This kiosk represents the next chapter for the Library, an expansion of service to other areas of the city.”
In addition to the new kiosk, Library staff are currently developing the plans for a new Library Branch in the southwest area of the city. This new branch, which will be connected to a public school and a recreation centre, and will be roughly double the size of the St. Paul Branch.
