Emulating drug stores and supermarkets, the Brooklyn Public Library has installed self-checkout machines across the borough, including the Brooklyn Heights, Williamsburg, Kings Bay, Highlawn, Mapleton,, Homecrest and Bay Ridge branches.

The library says the automated checkout “dishwasher-sized units” will enable patrons to borrow and return materials more conveniently and efficiently, allowing staff to spend more time engaging with the community, according to a story in the Brooklyn Eagle.

Two self-checkout machines have been in operation at the Brooklyn Heights branch at 280 Cadman Plaza West, for several months. Brooklyn Public Library President & CEO Linda Johnson says the initiative is part of a new model of public service, “one of many innovations including increased access to eBooks and a new books-on-demand Espresso Book Machine at the Central Library.” BPL was recently honored as a leading innovator by The Urban Libraries Council.

Let’s hope they work better than the self-serve check-out kiosks at CVS on Henry Street.

(Photo: McBrooklyn)

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/45030

Friends of the Brooklyn Heights Branch Library—which hosted a meeting June 5 to reinvigorate the non-profit organization—reports that the gathering fostered a new slate of Trustees, along with more than two dozen new interested attendees. “We are revitalizing,” reports an enthusiastic Deborah Hallen, who helped organize the FBHBL gathering with President Diana Prizeman.

The Friends will hold its next meeting Tuesday, June 19, at 7 p.m. at the Brooklyn Public Library in the Heights at 280 Cadman Plaza West & Tillary Street, on the second floor youth room. All are invited to join, as it continues to ramp efforts for its community-focused mission: raising money to purchase books, furniture, audiobooks and computers (as well as their ongoing maintenance); sponsorship of author visits & events; Friday book sales; and bringing crucial library issues to the attention of the community and elected officials.

FBHBL is still in the process of launching its website, Facebook page and a dedicated newsletter. For more information on the group and its upcoming meeting, reach out to Deborah Hallen at dmhallen@gmail.com.

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/41935