Photo by Unsie Zuege

Waconia Branch Librarian Heidi Hoks places
an order for a book at the Victoria Express Library kiosk.

Victoria residents can now pick up and drop off Carver County Library materials without ever leaving the city. The Carver County Library recently installed and Express Library at the Victoria Recreation Center at 8475 Kochia Lane.

“The Express Library an innovative new way to deliver library services,” Library Director Melissa Brechon said in a county library release. “This is a steppingstone to building a full library in the future.”

Patrons can order, pick up and return library materials, using a self-service kiosk, locker system and book return. Service will begin in late July and a ribbon cutting is scheduled for 5 p.m., Monday, July 26.

This project is made possible by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services and administered by the Minnesota Department of Education, State Library Services.

“This is a new system for us, the first in the state and we’re excited about the possibilities. Once customers have a chance to give it a try and see how easy it is, I think they’ll love it,” Brechon said. “I can see people stopping by the Express Library to pick up their books right along with the rest of their daily errands.

“I can also see parents, waiting to pick up their kids from the recreation center, using the kiosk. Because the Express Library is self-service, it’s whenever the recreation center is open.”

Easy as an ATM

Who: Anyone with a library card and e-mail, registered with the Carver County Library.*

What: Victoria Express Library

Where: Victoria Recreation Center at 8475 Kochia Lane

When: Victoria Recreation Center summer hours, M-F, 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., 6 a.m.-8 p.m.

Why: Convenience

How: Use either the Express Library kiosk or from home computer (www.carverlib.org), designate the Victoria Express Library as the pickup point. E-mail will alert you when materials are available. The items are available for 48 hours from the time of delivery to the Express Library. Delivery is currently planned on Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays.

* Don’t have a card? Library cards are available online or through any Carver County Library.

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For more information about the Express Library please call Chanhassen Library at (952) 227-1500 or check online at www.carverlib.org.