Renovation at Central Library

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Getting closer...

Every morning I check on the progress of the new circulation desk area and each morning I am amazed at the progress. The excitement is growing as we get closer to the "unveil day" when the entire community is able to use the their new circulation desk. The goal was to build a smaller, more friendly, circulation that allowed staff and patrons to fully utilize the RFID technology we have been installing the past year. How great was it that an anonymous bequest allowed us to easily adapt new technology to better serve the KPL community? Pretty awesome because it allowed us to do things to ultimately save some money in the long run.  Check back for the official unveiling date....

 

Big Changes

There are big changes going on at the Central Library—changes that will allow us to utilize funds better—including the remodeling of Central Library’s checkout desk.

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Highlights

Self-Checkout Kiosk »

self-checkout kiosk at Central Library

New self-checkout kiosk under construction.

Photo Gallery »

Photo GalleryPhoto Gallery
Watch the work in progress!

Renovation is Complete!

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Completed Circulation Area, February 15, 2010

We’ve “unveiled” the new circulation desk at Central! Please stop by and check it out and thanks in advance for your patience as we get adjusted to our new desk.

RFID: Convenience, Speed, Self-Sufficiency

A generous anonymous bequest allowed KPL to install a modern inventory system using Radio Frequency Identification from 3M Library Systems. With RFID, patrons can quickly and easily check out their own items. RFID means convenience, speed, and self-sufficiency for patrons. Frequently Asked Questions

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RFID also means fewer staff will be needed at the checkout desk. Instead, they’ll be freed to more quickly check in materials and put them back on the shelves for you to borrow. This change will help KPL manage our evergrowing circulation. Last year, KPL loaned 29% more DVDs, CDs, audiobooks, and 9% more books—a total increase of 14% more than last year, to almost a million items.

New Checkout Stations

We’ve remodeled the circulation area with three new, smaller checkout stations in a new location. These stations will allow patrons to quickly and easily check out their own items. We’ve replace the old checkout desk with two streamlined staffed stations and build an open shelving area for patrons to pick up their own holds. We’ve also install a computer so patrons can apply for a library card online.

Renovation Process

Demolition began on October 5th with the laying of tile in a formerly carpeted area in front of the curving staircase to the second floor. The newly renovated area was “unveiled” on February 15th. Read our renovation blog on this page to find out more about the work progress.