SINGAPORE – According to a Facebook post on July 17 (Fri) from the National Library Board (NLB), Singapore, the public can now browse and borrow books from a book dispenser in the Choa Chu Kang area.
The NLB has placed the dispenser on level one of Lot One Shopper’s Mall, while the actual library, which is located on level four, is currently closed.
The post goes on to explain, “This new initiative has been set up specially to serve our patrons during the renovation of the Choa Chu Kang Public Library.”
“The Book Dispenser conveniently allows you to pick up reserved books, along with browsing and borrowing curated books (digital and physical) via an interactive screen!” it adds.
To add to the attraction, the machine is replenished every day, and any items that are not borrowed in a span of 15 days are removed and changed. Books that need to be returned can be brought back to any library location or branch, and the same rules apply when it comes to loan quotas, loan periods and renewal privileges.
The books that are available for loan are the more popular English titles that are also suitable for all ages.
The dispenser, which operates from 10am to 10pm, is equipped with an interactive screen where library users can look through the available titles and choose which title they want to borrow. E-books are also available for download for offline access by using the OverDrive or Libby app.
Aside from the “books on offer,” the dispenser has 264 slots available for physical books, 88 slots for reserved books, and audio-visual materials and magazines for pick up.
Library users must pay for their items first either through the NLB mobile app, or by using NLB’s e-kiosks or reservation lockers located in their branches.
NLB’s Choa Chu Kang location is expected to reopen by next year.
See post here. /TISG