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The Longmont Library will soon get four new self-checkout machines to allow patrons to check out books and other materials safely.
The Longmont City Council this week approved an agreement between Longmont and Colorado for a American Rescue Plan grant to buy the machines. The grant is $32,766 and comes from the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Colorado State Library.
The grant is designed to help communities respond directly to problems caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, a city staff report states. The grant is also aimed at “related economic and community needs through equitable approaches in digital inclusion and library services,” the report states.
The self-checkout machines can reduce person-to-person interactions, allowing library patrons to complete checkouts if staff is limited due to space limitations or budget constraints, the staff report states.
“Patrons appreciate the ability to be self-sufficient when checking out materials, and also the ability to check out their own materials with some degree of privacy,” the staff report states.
The staff report gave no indication when the machines will be put into use.
