Library Update: Smart Lockers, Belton Renovations, Iva Progress
Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
If you haven’t visited the Anderson County Library lately, now would be a good time to check them out.
Patrons at the Powdersville Branch of Anderson County Library System will soon have 24-access to reserve and pick up items thanks to county council and a grant from the Institute of Museum of Library Services.
New Amazon-style smart lockers are being installed at the branch allowing patrons to visit the main library website to reserve materials. The exterior lockers will offer secure, weather-proof delivery of library materials at the library system’s busiest branch.
“It will serve those in the area with busy schedules who might not be able to get to the library during business hours,” said Anderson County Library Director Annie Sutton, adding the lockers should be available for use in a few weeks.
Items may already be reserved online at https://www.andersonlibrary.org/ for pickup at any location, but the lockers will allow extended opportunities in Powdersville with future plans to potentially include other locations.
The library is also launching self-checkout areas for patrons in the weeks ahead. The first will be at the main library in Anderson, and at branches in Pendleton and Powdersville.
The popularity of the library system continues to grows, with more than 252,662 visitors in 2022, an increase of 38 percent, checking out more than 400,000 types of physical materials. Another 275,000 patrons took advantage of electronic materials. The library also provided 641 programs last year.
Meanwhile, the Belton Library Branch is getting new furniture, carpet, paint and lighting as part of an upfit to another of the busy locations. Sutton said the upgrades will create a more welcoming space for patrons in Belton. The branch is now closed for the work, though the bookmobile is available onsite Tuesdays and Fridays at the Belton location. A printer has also been added to the bookmobile offerings at this site.
Sutton also said the Belton community has been a good partner in allowing library programs to continue at the Belton Area Museum and the Mercantile during renovations.
In Iva, progress continues for a new library downtown. The former branch located near Anderson County School District 3 offices has been temporarily relocated to the Iva Museum space while the new facility work is being done. The new library which will offer expanded services and space is expected be open in Spring of 2024.
A library card is required to take advantage of many of the free services of the library system . Library cards are free for all Anderson County residents. Get a library card.
The library is also providing digital library cards to those who live, work, go to school, or own property in Anderson County and do not already have a library card. Digital library cards allow for the use of Anderson County Library’s digital resources. Cards are only valid for one year and can be made into a full library card by visiting any branch. Apply for a Digital Library card.