After this week’s module, I continue to be drawn to the concept that the library should reach all users, even those who are not yet or cannot come through the library’s doors. Stephens amply asks, “Whom do you reach well? Who uses your library passionately? Take care of them and keep them. Who doesn’t use the library? Who in your community could benefit from access, services, and assistance? Find them. Go to them, ask them what they want and need” (2016).
In a recent conversation with my grandma, she shared with me that she was feeling a bit down about the lack of new books to read. Through this conversation, I discovered that my grandma, an avid reader, had been purchasing all her books through Amazon because they would get delivered to her door. With a recent change in income, this method of accessing books was becoming too expensive. When I suggested the library, she shared that it was too difficult for her to get there on her own. She felt that since she already asked others to take her to the grocery store, she did not want to be an additional bother by requesting a trip to the library. Now I know that there are plenty of people in her life who would gladly take her to the library if they knew this was a need. The bigger point, I think, is recognizing how the library could address this need not only for my grandma but for other users like her.
One solution I found interesting came from Warner’s article Revolutionizing Public Libraries, where they write about both a book locker and book vending machine concept. When set up in commonly visited places like the grocery store, users are able to either retrieve books put on hold or choose from a well-stocked selection. In the case of my grandma, this option could provide a one-stop shopping experience where she could get her weekly groceries and reading picked up at the same spot. Additionally, I love this idea because it has the potential to reach users who may hold an outdated view of the classic brick-and-mortar library. “These curious kiosks and lockers spark interest among passers-by… [becoming] an excellent way for libraries to alert a growing community to their offerings, bringing them physically into the library buildings” (Warner, 2024).
Library vending machine and locker concept
The heart of the hyperlinked library is to connect the community and bridge the gap in information needs. When libraries find ways to show that they place value in meeting the needs of all its community members they are also showing just how much each person matters and belongs!
References:
Albion College. (2025). “Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility”. [Photograph]. https://library.albion.edu/diversity-equity-inclusion-and-accessibility
Lakeland Public Library. (2023, July 21). “Did you know that the library has a book vending machine at Kelly Recreation Complex?” [Photograph]. Facebook.
Stephens, M. (2016). The Heart of Librarianship: Attentive, Positive, and Purposeful Change. ALA Editions.
Warner, L. (2024, January 17). Revolutionizing public libraries: Three ways that alternative service delivery strategies can meet the challenges of a booming population. Medium. https://medium.com/@lauracwarner/revolutionizing-public-libraries-ff7fed3d12c5
Hi Joy,
Adding library vending machines to places like the grocery store is a brilliant way to reach users like your grandma! I love this. I wonder how barrier free it is for people without a library card (yet)? Wouldn’t it be great if you could sign up on the spot for a digital card (though that may also be a barrier to people without smart phones or data).
At the library where I work, we have a home library service for people who are house bound for at least 3 months. A gentleman came in the other day to pick up a hold then requested the rest of them be changed to the home library service who would deliver them when they were ready as he is going for surgery this week and will be recovering for a while. It is great when people who know about it make use of the service but how to reach those who don’t?
Great reflection post.
-Daisy
Daisy, I love your added thoughts on library vending machines and what a great service your library provides to those who are homebound!
@joy26 so glad you highlighted the book locker and book vending machine options. This should be a thing that book lockers or material lockers are available wherever folks visit a lot such as the grocery store. I also think that the book services by mail or other delivery mechanisms can be very useful.