Hey all – Please see:
What is a Library Outpost?
Our Library Outpost will be an easy-to-use, 24-hour, seven-day-a-week automated library vending hub. The first Library Outpost will open outside the Pacifica Sanchez Library, expanding access to library materials and inspiring community engagement with a gathering space to enjoy the outdoors.
It will offer a curated collection of over 300 books and media. The lending machine will allow community members to browse, select items and return materials. The Outpost also includes sustainable furniture allowing patrons a place to read and connect, have lunch or access free WiFi. Think of the Outpost as an extension of the library, available anytime.
There was a recent Reddit thread in my community about how unfortunate it is that many open-air seating and meeting options created during the pandemic went away. People liked having streets closed down and spaces made for connection. It’s great to see libraries innovating to create outdoor community areas.
This a great idea! Libraries should be doing everything they can to increase their footprint in the community, as one of the increasingly rare completely free, open resources. I wonder if there are any plans to include any non-traditional library material, a kind of Library of Things. It’d be great if people could zip over to a local library kiosk, instead of running over to the Home Depot or Best Buy, to pick up a tool for some minor housework or a piece of audio equipment for a podcast/stream.
@emtaggart I like the name, “Outpost” It sounds very rugged! This would be fitting, as stories can take you on an adventure! @louis I also like the idea of LOT, like tools, being incorporated into one of these devices. However, I am curious to know how theft would be prevented on any of the more valuable items? Bulletproof/break-proof glass and other materials, like if there was an iPad or very expensive tool? There probably would be a value limit to what was in there.
@emtaggart @Louis @acorey I am thrilled to see this type of innovation as well. I like the idea of the library of Things being available too. Also tech such as cellular hotspots. I think it would be fine to offer some of those things as well.
@michael Agreed! My library has one or two for checkout and I never see them in. It gives the community some more digital equity with having these available. All you need is a photo i.d., for a library card, to check one of these out.
@acorey That is perfect!