Library Outdoor Lockers Offer 24-7 Access to Books, Movies and Audio Books

The Lake Wales Public Library's Intelligent Locker System is up and running. Located outside at the library's main entrance, the locker system is connected to the library network and allows customers access to safely pick up the books, movies and audio books they've placed on hold 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The City Commission in November approved using $25,950 in library impact fees to purchase the 20-locker system. After the purchase the city still had about $290,000 available in its library impact fee account.

In her memo to the commission, Library Director Tina Peak said The Lake Wales Public Library's usage has grown significantly reflecting new families and housing in the city.

"Library staff has researched ways to safely provide services during hours of operation, and to patrons after hours," Peak wrote. "Providing access to library materials for pick up 24/7 will allow patrons who have difficulty using the library's collection due to work schedules, transportation difficulties and health concerns."

Peak said whether people place their own holds or work with library staff, there are four basic steps to using the system:

1) Select Lake Wales Lockers as your Pick-up Location when placing a hold.

2) Receive notification via text or email when your hold is available.

3) Pick-up your materials by entering your library card number at the monitor, the locker door will open.

4) Check out is complete when the locker door opens.

People with questions should call 863-678-4004, extension 0 or email library@lakewalesfl.gov