The latest technology is making it easier than ever to borrow and return books at Middlesbrough’s libraries and community hubs.
Brand new self-service machines have been installed at four sites, making the service more accessible and user-friendly than ever before.
The new terminals – at Acklam, the Neptune and Rainbow Centres and Thorntree – allow avid bookworms to issue, return and renew library items.
All customers will also be offered a paper or digital e-receipt at the end of each transaction.
The self-service technology is provided by Lyngsoe Systems thanks to funding made available to Middlesbrough Libraries from The Arts Council.
Lyngsoe Systems is a world leader in Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and cutting-edge electronic logistics control.
With 20,000 installations in more than 60 countries, the company helps libraries transform with smart library solutions including self-service equipment and intelligent material management systems.
The upgrades have been funded through the national £5 million Libraries Improvement Fund, with Middlesbrough Libraries one of just 26 library authorities in England to be awarded a share of the cash from the first round of funding.
David Harrington, Project Manager and Digital Lead for Middlesbrough Libraries, said: “We are delighted to introduce these sleek self-service machines at four of our venues and are sure they’ll prove popular with regulars and new library users alike.
“In addition to being easy to use, they also which provide the option of sending an e-receipt to our customers.
“For customers who have not registered their email address with us, they are very welcome to update their details with our staff to take advantage of receiving e-receipts from the self-service machines in the future.”
Phil Farrell, General Manager from Lyngsoe Systems, said: “We are delighted Middlesbrough Libraries have chosen us to help transform their customer experience and increase digital inclusion within the community using our advanced self-service solutions.”
Councillor Stephen Hill, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive member for Culture and Communities, said: “Our libraries have a deserved reputation for using the latest technology to ensure their services keep pace with users of all ages.
“The new self-service terminals are just the latest example of their drive for the sort of innovative solutions that make the service one of the very best in the UK.”
The self-service Machines can also display text in English, Arabic, Romanian and Urdu and also offer larger text size.
For more information on Middlesbrough Libraries, including opening hours, visit Middlesbrough Libraries website.
