Middlesex County Library is excited to announce their latest collaboration with the Township of Adelaide Metcalfe: the NovelBranch Library Kiosk.
Located in the Adelaide Metcalfe Township Office at 2340 Egremont Drive, the NovelBranch offers residents a library service point within their community. Users of the NovelBranch will be able to browse, check-out and return books, all at one convenient location. Beginning Wednesday, October 20th, the NovelBranch will be available during open hours – Monday to Friday from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm.
Featuring a collection of Adult, Children’s and Young Adult books, the NovelBranch can be accessed with a Middlesex County Library card. To open the kiosk, you simply scan your card and enter your PIN. Take your time to browse the collection - then, once you’ve made your selections, just close the door. The NovelBranch uses RFID technology to know which books have been removed, and will automatically check them out on your account. Items borrowed from the NovelBranch can be returned to the drop-box also located within the township office. Users can also return library items that were received by mail, and items checked out at any other Middlesex County Library branch.
Historically, Adelaide Metcalfe residents have accessed library services at neighbouring branches, primarily the Strathroy location. Bringing a library service point to Adelaide Metcalfe has been a goal of Mayor Kurtis Smith. “It’s very exciting to launch the NovelBranch service point to Adelaide Metcalfe residents – and to be the first site in Middlesex County to have this level of library technology is an honour,” said Mayor Smith.
Middlesex County Library Board Chair Jim Maudsley is excited to see the library system leverage technology to expand services to new areas. “The library kiosk model is a very efficient and cost-effective way to increase library service points, particularly to rural areas – and this project aligns with a number of priorities identified in the library’s strategic plan,” explained Maudsley.
Library staff will be onsite at the Adelaide Metcalfe Township Office Wednesday, October 20th from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm. Members of the community are invited to drop-in during this time to try out the NovelBranch and to register for a library card if needed. If you’re registering for a library card, please bring a form of ID and proof of address (such as a driver’s license) with you.
Interested in using the NovelBranch, but haven’t used your library card in a while? Check in with us first! Middlesex County Library cards do expire, and your PIN is required to use the NovelBranch. To verify your information, leave us a message at 519-245-8237 or email us at @email.
The NovelBranch collection will be constantly changing, with new items added regularly. As well, additional dates for library card registration clinics are being planned; please watch the library website, social media and signage at the Adelaide Metcalfe Township Office for more details.
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Photo attached – pictured are Middlesex County Warden Cathy Burghardt-Jesson, Library Board Chair Jim Maudsley, and Adelaide Metcalfe Mayor Kurtis Smith.