HICKORY, N.C. — The Catawba County (N.C.) Library System recently launched a new library service in the Long View community in partnership with Barbara Abrams, owner of Clean Wave Laundry and a Statewide Laundry Equipment investor. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was staged on Jan. 10.
The service is located inside Abrams’ laundromat, providing convenient and free access to empowering library resources seven days a week.
The Library Pick Up Locker system includes 34 lockers capable of holding multiple books, audio books or DVDs. Ten of the lockers are equipped with clear windows that allow for browsing and checking out specially selected bundles of items. Any Catawba County Library card holder can enjoy the resources for free.
A Catawba County survey recently determined that area residents needed more reading resources.
“When they reached out to me, I grabbed the opportunity with both hands, as there was no physical library near my laundry,” Abrams says. “With the launch of our new self-service locker system, our library patrons can now browse a selection of books and pick up materials placed on hold from the library’s online catalog without having to travel out of the community.”
Lindsay Keisler, president/CEO of the Catawba County Chamber of Commerce, presided over the ribbon-cutting ceremony and highlighted the library’s commitment to providing services and resources to Catawba County communities.
“I commend you for always thinking outside the box, for being innovative and creative,” she says.
The project furthers the library’s mission to connect, explore and grow by bringing library services and resources to meet community residents where they are, says Library Director Siobhan Loendorf.
The locker unit inside Clean Wave Laundry allows children and families to more easily access high-quality reading materials; participate in reading programs and technology classes; get assistance with résumés, applications and job searches; and build confidence to pursue their goals, she adds.
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