AutoLend book vending machine (Photo – Altadena Library)
The Altadena Library District is expanding its outreach and increasing Altadenan’s access to physical materials. They have added two new AutoLend library vending machines, one at Prime Pizza in Altadena and one just outside the Main Library.
By News Desk
The vending machines serve as community outreach kiosks that allow library cardholders to browse, hold, pick up, and return materials anytime. Even those who sign up for a digital library card can immediately check out an item.
“It’s an innovative use of traditional technology that allows us to be out in the community 24/7,” says District Director Nikki Winslow. “That frees up staff members to support other outreach opportunities and provide valuable library programs.”
The library will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony and AutoLend book vending machine demonstration on Friday, Oct. 20, 2023, 3:00 to 3:30 pm, at Prime Pizza, 1900 Allen Avenue, Altadena, CA 91001.
Like digital resources, library vending machines are another way to provide access to library materials 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The purchase was possible thanks to a budget bill Assemblymember Chris Holden authored that passed in 2021, securing $250,000 for the library district. The vending machines were purchased from International Library Services (ILS).
The Altadena Library District also has a mobile unit, the Curiosity Connection, and will be adding a second mobile unit later this year. The vending machines and mobile units are part of a multi-phase plan to ensure continuity of library services to the residents of Altadena during future building closures.
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