Library kiosk now open at Kingston Secondary School
The Kingston Frontenac Public Library (KFPL) has returned limited service to the Kingscourt neighbourhood with a library kiosk at Kingston Secondary School (KSS).
Prior to the Kingscourt branch closure in 2017, the library, the City of Kingston and the Limestone District School Board (LDSB) had conversations about ways to maintain library service in the neighbourhood. After considering several options, KFPL and partners devoted approximately 300 square feet of space to library service in the new Kingston Secondary School, located at 145 Kirkpatrick Street, according to a release from the library.
“We’re pleased to offer a convenient location for our Kingscourt area patrons to pick up and drop off library materials,” said Kimberly Sutherland Mills, Director of Service Design and Delivery for KFPL. “Our Central, Calvin Park and Rideau Heights Branches are also available in central Kingston, providing a full library service experience.”
Community members shared, via survey, that they prioritize picking up reservations, browsing materials, and getting information at the KSS location, KFPL said, noting that currently, the KSS space houses a kiosk allowing library users to browse, borrow, and return items. The library is working toward the capacity for library users to pick up reserved materials.
“We are delighted to house the KFPL library kiosk at KSS. This partnership brings together public library services that complement and extend public education services for KSS, Vanier and Molly Brant students and Kingscourt community members by providing free educational resources that stimulate imagination and creativity, promote health and well-being, and encourage personal cultivation and a love for reading,” said Steve Hedderson, Associate Superintendent for KSS family of schools.
To access the kiosk, community members need a library card and PIN. Users will scan their card, type in their PIN and open the door. Once inside, they can browse the titles available for borrowing, remove those they would like to take home, and close the door. According to the release, the kiosk will check the items out on their library card and provide a due date receipt. Materials can be returned to the kiosk or any KFPL branch.
“The kiosk houses a wide range of materials,” said Sutherland-Mills. “Given its location inside a high school, there is a good selection for teens, but it also includes books for children and adults. We’ll see what the community borrows and adjust collection over time to meet the neighbourhood’s needs.”
The kiosk will be open Monday to Friday, 9 to 11 a.m. and 4 to 8 p.m., starting Monday, Dec. 12, 2022. Hours are subject to change, and the latest information will be available on the KFPL website at https://www.kfpl.ca/hours-and-locations/kingston-secondary-school.
A grand opening will take place on Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023, from 4:30 to 7 p.m. The library said that this is an opportunity for people to get a library card, pick up some swag, and see how the kiosk works. Individuals who wish to get a library card can also visit any KFPL branch.