Patrons can go online and arrange to pick up books or DVDs at the Y instead of going to the Ashland Public Library

By Damian Mann for Ashland.news

A bright blue book locker outside the Ashland Family YMCA provides a new, more convenient way to check out materials from the library.

“It popped open and it was kind of like Christmas,” said Laurie Schaaf, one of the first Ashland residents to try out the locker last week.

Schaaf, administrative services manager at the Y, said all she had to do was put in her library card code on the book locker and two drawers popped open, one with “Taylor Before and After” by local author Jennie Englund, and the other with “All Good People Here” by Ashley Flowers.

Thanks to a significant donation from the Friends of the Ashland Public Library, the book locker, which cost about $70,000, faces the parking area of the Y and was recently placed into operation without much fanfare to make sure it performs well before a ribbon-cutting ceremony planned for February.

Books from libraries countywide available

Schaaf described the experience as very easy, and she also appreciates that books from other Jackson County libraries are also accessible.

When she went online to reserve the books, a prompt asked her where she would like to pick them up. When she saw the option “lockers at Ashland YMCA,” she selected it because it was more convenient than picking the books up at the Ashland library.

“I gave that a shot and received an email when my books arrived,” she said.

While she was at the book locker, several passersby asked her questions about it and she explained that it was a very handy option for her.

“I’ll be using it a lot,” she said.

Library card and PIN needed

The book locker can be accessed 24/7. Books are placed on hold through the library services website, which also has a video showing the book locker installation. A library card and PIN are required to reserve a book.

A notification is sent after the materials are placed in the locker. Input your library card number at the book locker and the locker will open, allowing access. DVDs, CDs or anything small enough to fit inside can be picked up at the book locker.

Another book locker, about half the size of the one in Ashland, was installed in Shady Cove in 2023.

Kari May, director of Jackson County Library Services, said the library wanted to make sure all the bugs are worked out for the YMCA book locker before the opening ceremony.

“We literally just turned it on,” she said.

Since the book locker doesn’t have a way to return books, May said, a book drop will be placed near the book locker in the near future.

May said there are a few reasons behind the decision to install the book locker.

Downtown library parking limited

Finding parking at the Ashland Library can be difficult and, because it is on a hill, it is less accessible for some.

A strategic plan in 2023 led to increasing hours of operations by 40% in the library system but it also identified access as another issue.

“We recognize we’re not meeting the needs of all our community members,” May said.

Some library patrons work during the hours of operation of the library system or have busy schedules, making it difficult for them to pick up books.

Shady Cove was chosen as the first location for the book locker because it is in a rural area. Likewise, Ashland sits near a large rural area, providing an easier alternative for patrons who come into town and want to check out books at a convenient location that’s also located near a shopping hub.

More book lockers could be added in other communities in the future, May said.

Will Robinson, senior operations director at the YMCA, said that installing the book locker was easy. The site was previously occupied by a bench that wasn’t used much, he said. The book locker needed access to power, so it abuts a wall of the YMCA building.

“We wanted somewhere near the parking lot,” Robinson said. “It’s a good, natural spot with easy access.”
He said YMCA staff are using it along with other YMCA members.

“So far, we’ve had good reaction from our members,” he said.

Reach freelance writer Damian Mann at dmannnews@gmail.com dmannnews@gmail.com.

Jan. 22: Corrected name of the Friends of the Ashland Public Library.