David S. Howes Fund Grant
Niagara Falls Public Library — Chippawa
A new way to ‘check out’ what’s on the shelves at the Chippawa Branch
Small-town libraries can’t rival their big-city counterparts for the size of their collections, the variety of their programming, or their hours of access.
But a $60,000 grant from Niagara Community Foundation’s David S. Howes Fund is giving one small town more library access than they’ve ever had before.
The Chippawa location of the Niagara Falls Public Library is now open even when there’s no librarian on site, thanks to new technology that is a cross between your bank’s ATM and the self-checkout at a grocery store.
Called open+, the system gives Chippawa residents an extra 30 hours of library access a week.
Customers with a valid, registered library card use the keypad at the door to enter. Once inside, there are security cameras keeping watch, and a dedicated phone line to the circulation desk at the main Niagara Falls location, where a librarian is ready to answer any questions patrons might have. Cardholders can pick up books they have on hold, browse the stacks, connect to wifi, print, use the library’s public spaces for reading or chatting, or they can check out books.
“You tap your card and enter your PIN, and the door unlocks,” said Cathie Lee, deputy CEO and Director of Customer Experience. “It’s open to all, as long as your library membership is in good standing. There’s no limitations.”
The new access promotes “community and belonging,” said Lee. It is not designed to reduce staffing, but rather to provide equity of access – no matter where you live. The three other Niagara Falls Public Library locations all offered patrons 60 hours of library access a week, but Chippawa only had 30. open + gave Chippawa residents the same service enjoyed by their neighbours elsewhere.
And they love it. Some residents were so excited, they helped deliver launch flyers to every home in the town, Lee said.
“With open+, the library is now open when the community needs it,” said library board chair, Anne Andres-Jones, “providing a dependable space for learning, collaboration, and engagement.”