Featured Article:
Billings Public Library
January 11, 2022
by Kelsie Rubich
The Billings Public Library and the Billings Public Library Foundation hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday for the new “Library Express Lockers” outside of the Downtown Library location. This kiosk is the first of its kind in the state of Montana and offers patrons 24/7 access to Library materials.
The Library Express Lockers replace the extremely popular curbside service that Library staff implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. When the Library was forced to close its doors, staff worked hard to make sure that materials were still accessible. The Library Express Lockers continue this goal by expanding access to library materials for people who are unable to visit the Library during open hours.
“We know that Library users’ schedules have changed so much since the start of the pandemic, and we were eager to adapt to meet new needs and challenges,” said Gavin Woltjer, the Director of the Billings Public Library. “The Library Express Lockers allow us to expand access past the open hours of our physical building and continue our mission of providing resources to anyone and everyone in our community.”
In order to use the Lockers, all patrons need to do is request that their desired materials be placed on hold in a Locker, and then pick up the materials any time of day using their Library card and PIN number. Items will be available for pickup for 7 days after being placed into the lockers. Materials may be placed on hold by using the Library website, or the MSC Library app.
The Library Express Lockers were made possible through the generous donations of hundreds of community members through the Billings Public Library Foundation. “We were blown away by the support of the community for this project,” said Leslie Modrow, the Director of the Library Foundation. “Our supporters have always understood just how important expanding access to the Library is, and they were thrilled to support a piece of cutting-edge technology that really sets our Library apart.”
Library Staff and the Library Foundation both hope that this Locker is eventually one of many across the city. “We know this is an invaluable resource, and we hope that we can